We are happy to welcome pilgrims and guests to visit our churches at any time. Both Holy Trinity and St. Mary's churches are open every day, all day for visitors. Docents are often available during weekends to provide assistance and interpretation. There is an audio program available in each church. You may also listen to the audio programs below. While there is no need to make a reservation to view the frescoes, groups may request a guide with advance notice. Contact our Fresco Ministry Coordinator for assistance in planning your visit by clicking here. See below for information about parking.
Mystery of Faith (1977)
In the spring of 1972, Father J. Faulton Hodge met the artist, Benjamin F. Long (Ben), at the home of Phillip Moose, a prominent artist in Blowing Rock. Mr. Moose and Father Hodge discussed for 15 minutes the plan of Ben building the fresco for free. In the spring of 1974, Ben contacted Father Hodge, saying he was ready to do the fresco they had discussed.
In the summer of 1976, Ben returned to paint John the Baptist. The Mystery of Faith was done in the summer of 1977. It is said that Ben never quit working on the fresco even during the middle of church. He did stop to accept communion but then went right back to painting.
In the summer of 1976, Ben returned to paint John the Baptist. The Mystery of Faith was done in the summer of 1977. It is said that Ben never quit working on the fresco even during the middle of church. He did stop to accept communion but then went right back to painting.
The Last Supper (1980)
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, Benjamin F. Long (Ben) painted the “The Lord’s Supper” fresco behind the altar at Holy Trinity. Ben 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. Ben was the model for Thomas. In a scrip at the right of the foot-washing bowl, Ben painted a dedication to his father, who died just as the fresco was being completed.
In 1980, Benjamin F. Long (Ben) painted the “The Lord’s Supper” fresco behind the altar at Holy Trinity. Ben 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. Ben was the model for Thomas. In a scrip at the right of the foot-washing bowl, Ben painted a dedication to his father, who died just as the fresco was being completed.
Where to park:
At St. Mary's: There is limited parking in the drive around the church. Much of this parking is reserved for those with mobility issues, but you may use any space during weekly visits. You may park here if a space is available, just be sure not to block the driveway. A larger paved lot is located behind the church and down the hill. You can access this lot from Beaver Creek School Road by turning onto St. Mary's Road and then turning left onto Ed Messer Road. If this lot is full, you can park anywhere on the side of the road or in the yard adjacent to the parking lot. There are stairs from this lot up to the church.
At Holy Trinity: There is a large parking lot behind the church and adjacent to the Mission House on J.W. Luke Road. Limited handicap parking is located on J.W. Luke Road just beside the church.
At St. Mary's: There is limited parking in the drive around the church. Much of this parking is reserved for those with mobility issues, but you may use any space during weekly visits. You may park here if a space is available, just be sure not to block the driveway. A larger paved lot is located behind the church and down the hill. You can access this lot from Beaver Creek School Road by turning onto St. Mary's Road and then turning left onto Ed Messer Road. If this lot is full, you can park anywhere on the side of the road or in the yard adjacent to the parking lot. There are stairs from this lot up to the church.
At Holy Trinity: There is a large parking lot behind the church and adjacent to the Mission House on J.W. Luke Road. Limited handicap parking is located on J.W. Luke Road just beside the church.
