Tribute to a Mountain Church

By Bob Heafner © 2015

Online: March, 2015

Yesterday, March 5, 2015 the Meadows of Dan Baptist Church burned to the ground. It was a terrible fire but thank goodness no one was hurt. This picturesque mountain church was a landmark not only for local folks but for visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mabry Mill. Its tall white steeple was a beacon for Parkway travelers and drew many people into the tiny mountain community of Meadows of Dan, Virginia.

Today the congregation and community are in a state of shock as if a loved one had been suddenly lost. And, in fact, a loved one was lost. Even non-members loved this beautiful building for the historic role it played in the settling of this area and the iconic image it had become.

Below are photographs taken during the 1980s and this is the way I want to remember this scenic church and Meadows of Dan. Hopefully a replica of the old church will soon stand here again.

Meadows of Dan Baptist Church. Photo by Bob Heafner, circa 1985.

Meadows of Dan Baptist Church. Photo by Bob Heafner, circa 1985.

Meadows of Dan Baptist Church. Photo by Bob Heafner, circa 1985.

Meadows of Dan Baptist Church. Photo by Bob Heafner, circa 1985.

Meadows of Dan Baptist Church. Photo by Bob Heafner, circa 1985.

Meadows of Dan Baptist Church. Photo by Bob Heafner, circa 1985.

Meadows of Dan Baptist Church. Photo by Bob Heafner, circa 1985.

Meadows of Dan Baptist Church. Photo by Bob Heafner, circa 1985.

Meadows of Dan Baptist Church. Photo by Bob Heafner, circa 1985.

Meadows of Dan Baptist Church. Photo by Bob Heafner, circa 1985.

Storm clouds will fade away and the sun will shine again. Photo by Bob Heafner, circa 1985.