by Donald B. Saunders Professor Emeritus of History, Appalachian State University

A Brief History of our Church

The church takes its name from the Rev. Dr. Jethro Rumple, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury, a frequent missionary preacher in the mountains, a summer resident toward the end of his life, and one of the most remarkable North Carolinians of his generation. Blowing Rock’s spectacular setting, cool breezes, and natural wonders began attracting summer visitors after the Civil War. Presbyterians were the first to build a house of worship in town. Among the founders were Col. William J. Martin, Sr., and his son and namesake, both professors at Davidson College. Others included Mrs. Emma Stewart, who ran a boarding house in Davidson during the academic year and one in Blowing Rock during the summer. Local and summer people quickly joined in the effort. A small frame structure was built in 1886, and the church was organized with eight members the following year.

A stained glass window memorializes the Rev. Edgar Tufts, founder of Lees McRae College, Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, and Grandfather Home for Children. Rev. Tufts was the first called to minister here, part time, 1897-1923. Other prominent early summer residents and part-time ministers were Dr. James I. Vance of Nashville, Tennessee; and Dr. Charles G. Vardell, founder and long-time president of Flora MacDonald College in Red Springs, N.C. Their contributions too are memorialized by stained glass windows: Vance by a depiction of Jesus the Good Shepherd, Vardell by one of Jesus the Risen Lord.

The stone sanctuary was started in 1905 according to plans drawn by Dr. William J. Martin, Jr, and finished by 1912. Local people did most of the work: stones were hauled from Flat Top Mountain and other nearby sites. Summer people gave support and money. The impressive slate roof and stone buttresses, along with the chestnut ceiling and support beams and other interior appointments, give it an English country church appearance. A bell in the tower still chimes the hour at the start of Sunday worship. The beautiful window behind the pulpit recognizes Dr. Rumple’s role as founder and spiritual mentor. The professionally designed portico, added in 1929, provides a handsome backdrop to well-maintained gardens and grounds.

Summer resident Annie Cannon, wife of Joseph C. Cannon, who taught Bible lessons to generations of children, generously supported construction of both educational buildings. The 1936 shingled structure now houses a music center named for former pastor Walter K. Keys. Most of today’s programs have their home in the Cannon building, completed in 1969, extensively remodeled, and rocked on the exterior to match the sanctuary during 2007-2008.

The Rumple House and Cottage next door were purchased in 2002 from the estate of George and Mary Kinnard. Members and affiliates have provided the time, talents, and gifts to fully refurbish the property for a variety of uses.

Rumple Memorial is a member of Salem Presbytery, the Synod of Mid-Atlantic, and the Presbyterian Church, USA. It celebrated its centennial in 1987, among other ways, by sponsoring the publication of a full-length history, For His Cause A Little House, by Donald B. Saunders. Copies are available for purchase at the church office.

Click here for a long version of our church history.

From left to right, our beautiful stain glass windows are dedicated to Rev. J. Rumple, Dr. Rev. James I. Vance, Rev. Edgar Tufts, Rev. Charles G. Vardell, and Rev. James G. Stuart.