Waddell Memorial Presbyterian Church, Rapidan, Virginia

This church is said to be the finest example of Carpenter's Gothic architecture in Virginia. Built in 1874, the church was designed by J.B. Danforth, an amateur architect from Richmond, Virginia. Tracings of the original plans are in the possession of the congregation of the church.

Carpenter's Gothic structures recreate the features and ornamentation of Gothic structures using wood instead of stone. They were build by house carpenters, hence the name.

This church was nominated to be placed on the National Register of Historic places in 1975. The Nomination Form has an interesting history of the building and a discussion of its architectural features.The National Park Service website has an informative overview of the church and the local newspaper has an article about the arrival of hinges fashioned upon the original design, 135 years after the construction of the church was completed. The day I visited, I found the door unlocked and was able to take some shots of the interior, although it was late on a winter's afternoon and the light was failing.

A congregation meets here regularly. The building is open to the public.