Religion has always been central in the lives of the people of Appalachia. Life was often hard and short and the church was the rock that gave purpose and comfort. The church buildings in Bland County are an architectural treasure. The spartan beauty of their utilitarian form reflected the lives of those who worshiped within their walls. Today many still are located along the winding country roads and the people attend them just as they have for over a century or more

The archives contain church histories and stories of church experiences. Here are a few of these stories.