Just north of the hamlet known as Olympia in Bath County, Kentucky, rests a frame church, built on piers, sliding back into the earth from which it came. I’m not sure of the last time that a congregation streamed either in or out of the double front doors, or that a bell rang from the belfry above the shingled gable of the church. The only music filtering through its window openings is the wind, and that sounds remarkably like a funeral dirge.
The former Olympia Christian Church, Bath County, Kentucky.
The town of Olympia dates to around 1876, and four years later, a freight depot for the Elizabethtown, Lexington, and Big Sandy Railroad (which had previously terminated, in 1872, in Mt. Sterling) was established at Olympia. This line would later become the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad.
Section of a 1953 USGS topo map of the Olympia quadrangle showing the town, and a blue arrow marking what I think is the church.
A post office was established in 1881 – with the unlikely name of Puck (Shakespeare, anyone?). The nearby resort of Olympian Springs apparently prompted a name change to “Olympia” in 1882.
Looking south at the church.
I imagine the construction of this church dates sometime between 1875 and 1900 – both stylistically and based on the development occurring in the area.
The second set of entry doors – these are located within the entry vestibule.
Both iron ore extraction and lumber, along with farming, bolstered the local economy – and of course, the railroad formed the heart of the town.
Looking northwest at the church.
The church first in much better shape when I first spied it as a an adult, during a 2006 county-wide survey of Bath County. Although it was unoccupied even then, time had not yet waged such a severe toil on the church.
It stands out from scores of other frame, front gable church buildings by the few details on the facade, that call to mind a Carpenter Gothic inspiration. Gothic Revival elements were still quite popular in both domestic and institutional buildings in rural Kentucky at the end of the 19th century. A pointed arch vent highlights the shingled gable on the facade, and long narrow windows (a few still containing 2/2 double-hung sash) pierce the sides.
Interior, looking toward the entrance.
At some point, I believe the building functioned as the Olympia Church of God, but despite scouring my Bath County books for information, I unearthed absolutely nothing about the church or its history.
Circa 2006 – sans vines, and in much better shape.
It couldn’t have been too active in the second half of the nineteenth century – or the weatherboard that clings to the sides would have been covered in aluminum or vinyl siding.
Looking toward where the pulpit must have once stood.
I imagine one day I will hear that the church has been claimed by fire – like the Salt Lick Methodist Church, which burned in December 2018 – or that someone pulled the church down, to erect something prefabricated and quite unoriginal on the site.
I hope before that happens someone will share some history of the church with me, so that its story can linger in the electronic ether, and in that way, find a small measure of immortality. It seems only fitting for a church in a town named for Mount Olympus.
Sad!
It reminds me of the Clintonville Christian Church here in Bourbon County.
I used to go there and it is a sweet church. The Presbyterian church in mt sterling is gorgeous with fireplaces and stained glass windows that overlooks up and down.
It should be restored. A new congration. A new life.
I would say it’s been about 40 years since services were held in that church. I was a young girl and remember cars parked all along the circle drive that one could enter from the road on either side of the church. From what I have heard, the church was built in the 1880’s. But I, also, would love to see it restored to its natural beauty.
I attended the annual church picnic on the grounds with my parents and family.
The picnic was also a reunion for many families of that area and those that had moved away. We children had a great time, and it was a large gathering. This article brought back great memories. I may have a picture or two in the things from my parents. It is told that my grandmother help run the Olympian Springs resort. I do have a picture of the resort in it’s glory days when wealthy families
from around the country and even Great Britain families came to the Springs.
My aunts were married in this church. I have pictures somewhere.
I would love to see those photos!
Early 1970:s church was used regularly an amazingly sweet lady know to the kids as Ms. Frankie taught all age kids Sunday school and there were a handful of adults who attended. By late 70s the church was rented to different congregations. 1982y mother reserved and cleaned our grandmothers church as plan b for my wedding. I sometimes wish we had used it just to have that memory to go with the dozen times we drove from Ohio to see my grandparents and walked with grandmother arm resting one my cousin and my shoulders so she could get up the hill. Probably not interesting to you but there are several of us grandkids that dread as you mention the news that someone has done the unthinkable to. Our childhood gift. ( There is a story online also about the church in its early years )
Cannot believe how much it has aged in the past 6 years. Took pictures around then. could not have gotten the pictures of the inside as you have.