Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 04/17/1991
NRHP Listing Date 07/03/1991
NRHP Reference Number 91000830
When completed in 1894, the Gothic Revival Chilhowie Methodist Episcopal Church was a distinctly high-style addition to the village of Chilhowie. Built of locally made golden-brown pressed brick, the church is distinguished by its literate use of Gothic forms, particularly its tall steeple and pinnacles. Such assertive, ecclesiologically-correct architecture was a striking contrast to the simple country churches prevalent in the region, churches that usually were severely plain wooden structures. Although no architect has been associated with what is now the Chilhowie United Methodist Church, the design is believed to have been influenced by E. J. Rutland, superintendent of the local brick factory. Born and raised in Sheerness, England, Rutland came to Chilhowie from Ohio in 1890 to manage the new brick plant. His familiarity with Victorian church architecture in England, where articulate Gothic design prevailed, likely shaped the appearance of this Methodist edifice.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: August 6, 2021
