WHEREAS, Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church, the oldest Presbyterian house of worship in continuous use in the Commonwealth and the oldest standing church in the Commonwealth west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, celebrates the 275th anniversary of its church building in 2024; and

WHEREAS, Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church, also known affectionately as Old Stone Church, was founded in 1740 by Dr. John Craig, who was the first Presbyterian pastor to settle in the Commonwealth and who established and supported a number of churches throughout the Augusta County area in his lifetime; and

WHEREAS, John Craig and his congregation quickly outgrew the log building in which the church first held its services and set out to build a new church to serve as their place of worship, which they officially dedicated on January 22, 1749; and

WHEREAS, the community surrounding Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church continued to develop over the years and efforts were made to fortify the area following the French and Indian War; in the late 19th century, the community surrounding Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church became known as Fort Defiance; and

WHEREAS, Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church's building has undergone a number of changes, including exterior and interior renovations in 1855, additions in 1922 and 1956, and a remodeling in 1968, meeting the needs of its congregation while retaining its historic and distinctive character throughout the years; and

WHEREAS, for nearly three centuries, Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church has supported its congregation and the surrounding communities by offering sage spiritual guidance, uplifting opportunities for worship and fellowship, and abundant occasions for charity and outreach; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church hereby be commended on the occasion of the 275th anniversary of the dedication of the church's building; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend Stan Farthing, pastor of Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the church's contributions to Augusta County and respect for its prominent place in the history of the Commonwealth.