St. John in the Wilderness, Episcopal church in Flat Rock, United States
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.