Floyd is a one stoplight town in rural, Blue Ridge Virginia. It’s mainly known for one thing: bluegrass music. The Floyd Country Store Friday Night Jamboree draws curious onlookers, like me, every weekend.
While planning my trip to the area I came across The Stone Churches of Reverend Bob Childress. Childress was a native of these mountains. During his lifetime he built six rock churches throughout southwest Virginia using stones from the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I found 4 of the 6 during my church scavenger hunt.
Mayberry
Sadly, I didn’t find Sherriff Andy Griffith here. This church is in the Meadows of Dan area and within sight of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head south on Mayberry Church Road to find the authentic Mayberry Trading Post.
A great photo opp, but the store is past its prime and quite dusty now. However, there is a stand onsite to purchase apple butter!
Slate Mountain
It was getting eerily foggy while I was photographing at Slate Mountain. But it just added to the ambience. There was a cow in the backyard – directly behind the church.
Buffalo Mountain
Buffalo Mountain was my favorite. It’s placement at a Y intersection makes it appear that all roads lead to Buffalo Mountain Presbyterian. Maybe they do.
Reverend Robert Childress is buried in the cemetery across from from Buffalo Mountain Presbyterian Church.
Willis
After a beautiful (and surprising) drive down dirt and, occasionally, one lane roads I found Willis Presbyterian.
This church is located on Route 221 which I took right back to Floyd.
Go
More information on the Stone Churches of Virginia can be found at the website for The Stone Churches of Reverend Bob Childress.
My stone church adventure was only a small part of my Floyd exploration. To read the full write-up visit Short Weeks, Long Weekends. Please leave a comment on that post and tell me what you’re most looking forward to seeing in Floyd.
