By mid-October the leaves will be near full-color and the Holy Communion Parish will be ready to welcome hundreds of visitors to their annual Festival of the Frescoes, one of Ashe County’s most beloved events, to take place this year on October 12th. Rain or Shine!
The festival will be held on the grounds of the old Mission House at 120 Glendale Springs School Rd. in Glendale Springs, NC. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is across the street from the Mission House.
Handmade arts and crafts, tasty baked goods, a silent auction (closes at 2:00pm), raffle drawings, a yummy lunch to eat at picnic tables spread around the yard, activities for children, and an incredible indoor yard sale called "Granny's Attic" will be waiting for you! If you come early for the yard sale, the parish deacon will lead you in fun songs while you wait in line. The craft booths promise to be exceptional this year.
AND across the street at Holy Trinity Church you can visit the beautiful Frescoes by Ben Long and his students. A docent will be there to greet you.
Don't miss this fun family event. October is a great time to experience the glory of Ashe County.
About The Last Supper Frescoe
Holy Trinity Church in Glendale Springs, NC was officially closed in 1946. After the church closed, members began removing the furnishings and taking them home. For over 30 years the church sat deserted and neglected – windows broken and trash piled inside and out. Father Hodge started a campaign to restore the old church in the late 1970s. As work progressed on the building, the original furnishings were returned. Today the church has its original pews, Altar, and candle stands.
In 1980 Ben Long painted the fresco “The Lord’s Supper” behind the Altar at Holy Trinity. Long and 20 of his students spent three months completing the fresco while the church was still undergoing renovations. Area residents began taking an interest in what was taking place and were supportive of the work. The churches of the community (regardless of denomination) offered to feed the artists – creating a bit of competition for the best meal served. Local people served as models for all the biblical figures except the waiting maid, Judas, Thomas, and Christ. Benjamin F. Long was the model for Thomas. In a scrip at the right of the foot-washing bowl, Benjamin F. Long painted a dedication to his father, who died just as the fresco was being completed.
"The Last Supper" provides an in-depth review the frescoe at Holy Trinity Church.
Make it a frescoe themed weekend and take the High Country Frescoe Trail. The trail is a great way to see the mountains in the fall and explore small towns and communities.
Event Details
When: Saturday, October 12, 2019
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: Across from Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 120 Glendale School Rd, Glendale
For more information, visit: https://holycommunionparish.org/
