002-0043 Grace Church

For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF

VLR Listing Date 02/17/1976

NRHP Listing Date 10/21/1976

NRHP Reference Number 76002091

The Grace Episcopal Church is located in the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District and the village of Cismont. This much-admired specimen of the earlier, more picturesque interpretation of the Gothic Revival is the only known Virginia work of William Strickland, a leading American architect of the first half of the 19th century. Strickland is better known for his monumental Greek Revival works such as the Tennessee Capitol; Grace Church, built ca. 1847, is a rare example of his Gothic style. The church was commissioned by Judith Walker Rives of nearby Castle Hill. Strickland’s original drawings are preserved at the University of Virginia. The original interior woodwork, executed by E. S. McSparren, an English master carpenter, was destroyed by fire in 1895. The church was soon rehabilitated with a new roof, new interior, and chancel addition. Its walls and tower remain essentially as designed and continue to serve an active congregation.

Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark

Updated: October 26, 2020