Looking to learn more Western North Carolina history? Free tours of the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness in Flat Rock are returning this summer.
The church says its tours of up to 30 people will be held monthly on the third Saturday at 11 a.m., starting on July 16. Reservations can be made on the church's website here.
Built in the 1800's by an English family, the chapel was later deeded to the Diocese of North Carolina and 20 members of the Flat Rock “summer colony” formed themselves into an Episcopal parish. "In the 1890s when the Missionary District of Asheville (later Diocese of Western North Carolina) was formed, St. John in the Wilderness transferred its affiliation," a press release from the church states. "It is the oldest parish in the diocese."
With the rapid growth of Flat Rock in the 1830's and 40's, the church was rebuilt because the parish membership "outgrew the capacity of the small chapel," which is the church that stands today.
The church says its cemetery contains "graves of un-named 19th century people who were enslaved as well as distinguished political figures, and local citizens."
"First families of the early years of our country, descendants of signers of the Declaration of Independence, influential politicians of the 19th century, military leaders and others of note are buried in the churchyard," the church says.
Click here for more information about the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness.