Mt. Pisgah Presbyterian Church
Just about everybody from central Kentucky has driven down US 60 in Woodford County to gaze upon the Kentucky Castle. What few realize though, is that sitting less than half a mile away down Pisgah Pike is a breathtaking piece of Kentucky history that outshines the castle.
The Mt. Pisgah Presbyterian Church and its associated graveyard were founded in 1784 to serve the small community of Pisgah (named for a mountain in the bible). The burial grounds feature several graves from that time period, although it’s most famous inhabitants are 7 of revolutionary war veterans, and former Kentucky governor and commissioner for Major League Baseball Happy Chandler. The real reason to make this trip to rural Woodford County though is the church building itself.
Built in 1812, the humble stone structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A major remodel in1888 provided the church with a truly stunning feature. Each side of the building features 5 large stained-glass windows covered in floral patterns, including a faint blue that is almost otherworldly. The front of the building also has a smaller set of these windows with patterns that are just as intricate. They were commissioned by Dr. Robert C. James and created by artist George Barnes of Philadelphia in memory of Dr. James’s mother “Nannie”.
The church sits in a fairly secluded spot, and in a world full of vandals the church has had to take protective steps by installing a plexiglass window outside of each of these works of art. In-person this does nothing to diminish their beauty, but it does mean that they don’t photograph very well. This is definitely a case where my pictures fail to capture just how amazing they really are. To see these delicate masterpieces adorning such a simple structure really highlights the strength and passion found in so many of these rural communities. They didn’t have much, but they really put everything into making the best of what they had.
If you live anywhere near the Lexington area I highly recommend making this trip. Be mindful though that the building is still in use as a functional church, so please be respectful and plan your trip around their schedule.
Want to Experience This Adventure for Yourself?:
710 Pisgah Pike
Versailles, Ky United States
40383
