Valdese in Burke County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
How We Became Historic Valdese
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025
1. How We Became Historic Valdese Marker
"Lux Lucet in Tenebris" Light Shining in the Darkness has been the maxim of the Waldensian people, the Waldenses, for over 400 years. Responding to the darkness of religious oppression in their homeland of Italy in the early 1600's. The phrase became their anthem and their descendants carry this motto in their hearts and on their official seal to this day. Their proud traditions and preservation of their cultural heritage are safeguarded in the small town of Valdese North Carolina, ensuring that their Light in the Darkness will keep shining for generations to come.
The story of the Waldenses dates back to the 13th Century and is the story of the "people of the valley" who made their home in the Cottian Alps of France and Italy. Following 500 years of struggling for their religious freedom and cultural identity, the Waldenses embraced the teachings of Peter Waldo, a preacher from Lyon, Franco, who boldly proclaimed that the way of Christ was to give to the poor.
Waldo and his brethren, known as "The Poor of Lyon" were roundly condemned by the Catholic Church and in 1811, the archbishop of Lyon excommunicated the
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The Waldenses, both a people and a church, faced fierce religious and personal persecution but they not only persevered, they thrived. In 1893 (note: typo in the text says 1983), a small group of 29 men, women and children decided to leave their homeland in the Cottian Alps and settled in the rolling hills of Western North Carolina. Within the first year 100 more Waldensians joined them. They named their new home, Valdese, honoring their Italian and French heritage.
The early days in the United States were not easy. The geography reminded them of their homeland but the farmland was far different. Rocky, unyielding ground almost forced the group into starvation their first winter but their new neighbors proved to be a shining light in the new land and the people of Burke County generously welcomed the fledging community. Support from sympathetic believers across the U.S. help fund the first buildings. Love offerings were generated by the Waldensian women who sang traditional hymns at nearby. In time a sawmill was built and
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 2, 2025
2. How We Became Historic Valdese kiosk. The Old Rock School is in the background
As the community grew, so did the faith. As they had for centuries, the Waldensians dedicated themselves to the study of scriptures and educated their children in the traditions of their ancestors. On February 17, 1897, the first community laid the cornerstone of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church on Main Street. The church remains a vital and productive part of the community and provides a living testament to the history, faith, and determination of the Waldensians. The people of the valley providing a Light in the Darkness.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.
Location. 35° 44.675′ N, 81° 33.994′ W. Marker is in Valdese, North Carolina, in Burke County. It is on Main Street West (U.S. 70) west of Praley Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east. The marker is at a kiosk built to the east of the Old Rock School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 Main St W, Valdese NC 28690, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Mountains. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historic Valdese Foundation Heritage Millennium Clock Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Jefferson (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Charters of Freedom (about 700 feet away); John Adams (about 700 feet away); Benjamin Franklin (about 800 feet away); James Madison (about 800 feet away); The Waldensians (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gheisa d'la Tana (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valdese.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 180 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 2, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
