Fort Defiance in Augusta County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Augusta Stone Church

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 25, 2015

1. Augusta Stone Church Marker

Below this marker is the cornerstone of the church, showing the year, 1747.

Inscription. This, the oldest Presbyterian house of worship in Virginia, is an eloquent memorial to the liberty-loving, god-fearing Scotch-Irish folk who first settled this part of the valley.

Through their arduous labors the building was completed in 1747 and dedicated in 1749 under its first pastor, Dr. John Craig, a native of Northern Ireland. It served also as a fort during the Indian raids which followed Braddock's defeat.

The original walls extend from this spot to the wings in the rear, which were added in 1922.

Erected 1937 by Beverley Manor Chapter, D.A.R.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.

Location. 38° 14.295′ N, 78° 58.512′ W. Marker is in Fort Defiance, Virginia, in Augusta County. Marker is on Old Stone Church Lane just west of Lee Highway (U.S. 11), on the right when traveling south. Marker is on the wall of the church, to the right of the main entrance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Defiance VA 24437, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Augusta Stone Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rev. John Craig

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Quarles Walk (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); This 1886 Bell (about 800 feet away); Augusta Military Academy (about 800 feet away); Augusta Military Academy Museum (about 800 feet away); a different marker also named Augusta Military Academy (about 800 feet away); Dwight D. Eisenhower Visits Augusta Military Academy (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Defiance.

Also see . . .
1. Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church History. “Old Stone Church, as it is now affectionately known, was first remodeled in 1855. The growth of the congregation and the increased enrollment of Augusta Military Academy, whose cadets worshiped in the church from 1865 until the school closed in 1984, made a larger building necessary. Thus, in 1921, transepts were artistically added to the original church building, changing it into its present structure—the form of a cross. The steeple was also added at this time. In 1956 John Craig Hall, the third addition, was built and serves as a fellowship

Augusta Stone Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 25, 2015

2. Augusta Stone Church and Marker

Plaque is to the right of the small window on the left.

center. The restoration of the sanctuary was initiated and completed in 1968. This remodeling included the rebuilding, enlarging and moving of the Moller pipe organ to the balcony. The high pulpit and sounding board were also added during this restoration. In 1974 Augusta Stone Church was added to the Virginia and National Landmarks Registers. In 1847 the small stone Session House attached to the north side of the church building was removed and rebuilt in its present location adjacent to the church. During 1975 the Session House was converted into a charming museum which houses items documenting our rich heritage and history.” (Submitted on September 27, 2015.)

2. Augusta Stone Church NRHP Nomination page. (Submitted on August 20, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)

Augusta Stone Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 25, 2015

3. Augusta Stone Church

American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Site No. 84 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 25, 2015

4. American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Site No. 84

Registered by the Presbyterian Historical Society, Philadelphia, Pa.

Time capsule on the grounds of the church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 24, 2021

5. Time capsule on the grounds of the church

Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 726 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 27, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5. submitted on April 30, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.