Stuart in Patrick County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Bell Tower

In Memory of William Nash Thompson, M.D.

Bell Tower Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, April 29, 2025

1. Bell Tower Marker

Inscription. As he loved the church and faithfully served the Master, Dr. William Nash Thompson, beloved physician of Patrick County cherished the mellow tones of this church's original bell. The bell tower was given in loving memory by his family in order that the ancient peal might continue to encourage all to work for the advancement of God's Kingdom.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures.

Location. 36° 38.568′ N, 80° 16.184′ W. Marker is in Stuart, Virginia, in Patrick County. It is on West Blue Ridge Street (Business U.S. 58) west of North Main Street, on the right when traveling west. The bell and bell tower are to the west of the main sanctuary of Stuart Baptist Church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 108 West Blue Ridge St, Stuart VA 24171, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Virginia

and in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia.

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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: Stuart (within shouting distance of this marker); Our Heroes (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain Eliphaz Shelton (within shouting distance of this marker); Patrick County World War II and Korean War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Vietnam Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Bull Mountain Crash (within shouting distance of this marker); The Crooked Road / Patrick County (within shouting distance of this marker); Virginia's Mountain Spirit Trail (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stuart.

Bell Tower and marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, April 29, 2025

2. Bell Tower and marker

The sanctuary is to the left.

Original bell of Stuart Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, April 29, 2025

3. Original bell of Stuart Baptist Church

Photographed by Mark Parker, April 29, 2025

4. Bell Tower

Next to the Education Wing. The church sign is in the distance.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 55 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 29, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.