For nearly 150 years, one congregation has worshipped behind stained glass windows, a distinguishable red door, and what locals know as Hokie stone. They’ve sat in the same pews and listened to a resplendent pipe organ. Since 1879, when the building was complete, the congregation of Christ Episcopal Church (which was established in 1858) has cherished both their local heritage and their spiritual roots.With the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the groundbreaking of the church in September, the congregation has events planned to celebrate their spiritual heritage. And they have good reason to celebrate – the church is the oldest one in Blacksburg in continuous use since completion. The groundbreaking for the building was in 1875, but prior to then, a rich history intertwined with Virginia’s revolutionary-era roots set the stage. The Church Yesterday With the formation of Montgomery County in 1777, Montgomery Parish was established. Parishes were founded as counties were organized. “At this point, church and state were one in Virginia, because the Anglican and later Episcopal Church was the established religion of the colony,” the Reverend Mr. Scott West explains. As a side note, Blacksburg is still the geographic area associated with Montgomery Parish, a parish that comprises about one-third of the county (the other parishes being Radford and Christiansburg).With the dawning of the Revolutionary War, the Church of Virginia waned. Prior to the Civil War, a Reverend Mr. Goodwin reported to the Diocese of Virginia that his time was committed to establishing a church. It wouldn’t be until after the war that Christ Church was formally organized. A bishop’s report to the Annual Council noted that a church was about to be built in Blacksburg. By 1875, the year of groundbreaking for this historical edifice, 42 people made up the congregation of Christ Church. The rest, as they say, is history. 
The Church Today “People know it as the stone church on the corner with the red door,” Mr. West says. West is the Rector for the church and has held that position for the past 18 years.Indeed, the bright red door is a hallmark of the church on the corner of Jackson and Church streets. The exterior itself is a throwback to its historical roots – the Episcopal Church rings a European-esque style with its stone walls and bell tower. The stone is native limestone, dubbed “Hokie stone” by locals. The bell tower was built in 1934, and every Sunday it hearkens worshippers to service.The church has gone through various updates over the years – 1941, 1970 and 1991. About a decade ago, parts were restored and refurbished. But stepping inside the sanctuary reveals a place almost the same since the original congregation took their seats in 1879. Much of the sanctuary is original. Stained glass windows are set at the front. “The two side panels were mail ordered,” Mr. West relates, “but the middle panel is inspired by a painting in London’s esteemed National Gallery.” The pews where many have sat throughout the decades are original, as are the lovely wood floors. A beautiful pipe organ still plays every Sunday. Labyrinth of Peace In the courtyard, a labyrinth was built to commemorate the victims of the tragic shootings at Tech in 2007. It was constructed from a kit on pallets by parishioners during Lent in 2009. The design is from a famous labyrinth in Chartres, France, made up of five circuits that people can walk through to pray or to welcome the peace and solitude. (It’s not a maze, so you can’t get lost in it). In the garden, plants and flowers give the space a peaceful, serene feeling. “You feel like you’re away from things a little bit,” Mr. West says. It’s a tucked away oasis in the middle of a bustling campus town.The church has strong roots in the New River Valley – foundations that have stood steady since the organization of the congregation. The beautiful surrounding New River Valley serves as a backdrop to the church’s strong faith community. “Ask anyone who grew up in this area, and they’ll probably tell you it’s almost perfect,” the church’s website says. The Church Tomorrow In addition, Christ Church is “one of only two churches still worshipping in original buildings in the 16 squares that comprise historic downtown Blacksburg.” With nods to the community of Blacksburg and deep ties to its Anglican roots, Christ Episcopal Church has a rich and storied history.Mr. West explains that the faithfulness and dedication of the churchgoers have made the longevity and continuous worship possible. Without the steadfastness of the congregation, the church would not be what it is today.Weathering the storms of decades and with its fair share of ups and downs, the church holds the title as the longest continually-used place of worship in Blacksburg. With the congregation’s resilience and steadfast anchor, the church seems on track to be a place of worship for generations to come. Text by Caitlyn Koser Caitlyn Koser is a New River Valley homeschool student and freelance writer.
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