Churches of the Frescoes
Benjamin Franklin Long IV, a renowned fresco painter, came to North Carolina in the mid 1970’s and 1980's and painted a series of fresco murals in several area churches. True fresco painting is an old world style of painting directly on wet plaster walls. These types of mural paintings are especially hard to do, as a great deal of technique, skill, and preparation is required to create the desired effect. When Ben Long and his team came to Ashe County, they spent many years in the region, completing the various mural projects in the two area churches. The fresco paintings found in Ashe County are located in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and are collectively known as the Churches of the Frescoes.

Visitors can stop by both churches and see all of the glorious fresco paintings. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is located near West Jefferson and features the murals Crucifixion, John the Baptist, The Mystery of Faith, and Mary, Great With Child. Holy Trinity Church is located in Glendale Springs and features the great mural, The Last Supper which was painted in 1980. The murals add to the beauty of these holy churches and in St. Mary’s church the beautiful, interior beams are even incorporated into part of the fresco mural, creating a really nice look inside the church.

The Churches of the Frescoes are two very special churches to visit. These historical area Episcopal churches played an important part in Ashe County’s early history, and remain today two of the most visited places in the region. Be sure to stop in and see these lovely murals. The Churches of the Frescoes is just one of many things to do in Western North Carolina.

At United Country Dogwood Realty, we have an extensive background in the real estate industry in our mountain region, and can advise you whether you are planning to relocate to Ashe County or just purchasing your dream home in the mountains to visit for getaways. If you are looking for Ashe County Real Estate for sale, browse through our real estate listings, you’ll find gorgeous homes for sale in West Jefferson, Jefferson, Lansing, Todd, Crumpler, Fleetwood and the many small communities throughout Ashe County and the surrounding area.
 

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