St. John in the Wilderness

St. John in the Wilderness is an Episcopal church in Flat Rock featuring stone walls, pointed Gothic arches, stained glass windows, and a distinctive bell tower. The building sits within a cemetery that holds graves dating back generations.

The building began as a private chapel established in the 1830s and received formal consecration in 1836. It has served the community as a gathering place ever since.

This house of worship brought people together regardless of race, creating shared spiritual moments in a time when separation was the norm elsewhere. The practice shaped how the community experienced faith and daily life in Flat Rock.

The property is open to visitors who can walk through the grounds and explore the cemetery at a leisurely pace. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to read the inscriptions on the gravestones.

The cemetery holds marked graves of both enslaved and free Black residents, preserving names and stories that would otherwise be lost to history. Walking among these stones reveals the quiet dignity of those the place honored.

Location: Flat Rock

Official opening: August 28, 1836

Part of: Flat Rock Historic District

Address: 1895 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731 U.S.

Phone: +18286939783

Website: https://stjohnflatrock.org

GPS coordinates: 35.28244,-82.44283

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:20