The Church of the Incarnation

Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: 2015/04 - April

“The Church of the Incarnation exists to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through worship, love and service. As individuals and as a congregation, we dedicate ourselves to this purpose.”

From the humble beginnings when circuit rider John Archibald Deal began holding services in Highlands in 1877 to its present day home on the corner of Fifth and Main Streets, the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation has lived up to this creed of loving, serving and worshipping.

Rev. Deal loved Highlands for its verdant landscape, clean, crisp air, and the majesty of the surrounding mountains. He traveled more than 20 miles from his home in neighboring Franklin to bring the gospel to Highlands and he found inspiration in these beautiful surroundings. His mission was steadfastly supported year-round by a faithful resident congregation, as well as the ever increasing summer residents who flocked to the area to enjoy the majestic scenery and healthful air.

Even now the peaceful setting among native rhododendrons and mountain laurel invites members and visitors alike to take a quiet moment to enjoy the wonders of God’s creation. The magnificent stained glass windows further reflect the church’s continued appreciation of its lovely setting and express not only symbols of Christian faith, but also themes of local history and the environment. There are scenes of Lake Glenville, local flora and fauna, and rainbow trout, as well as one in which Christ is depicted as holding the earth in his hand.

The original church, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was completed in 1896. Its high pitched roof and circular bell tower still stand as a beacon welcoming worshippers through its doors. The church has seen many revisions and updates throughout the years, including the most recent addition under the leadership of Rev. Mike Jones of a new sanctuary to accommodate growing attendance. Average Sunday attendance now numbers 350 during the summer months and 100 during the winter.

Throughout its existence the church has sought to promote understanding and cooperation among the various denominations in town. Additionally, its strong belief in Christian outreach programs is evident through its active local and international missions.

In May 1955, just before his retirement, Dr. Rufus Morgan founded the Highlands Interchurch Group. His successor, Dr. Herbert Koepp-Baker, a renowned psychologist whose specialty was speech pathology, helped reorganize the then-closed Highlands Community Hospital. In 1969 the women of the church established Mountain Findings to recycle household goods and help raise funds for many local charitable and service organizations. In 1979 Dr. Charles Bryan was instrumental in revitalizing the Interchurch Group and also founded the local Hospice program. In 2004 Rev. Brian Sullivan’s call to minister to children resulted in the expansion of a church pre-school program. The church continues this ministry by partnering with the Highlands United Methodist Church in supporting the Gordon Center for Children.

Throughout the years many local organizations have benefited from the support of the church, including Highlands Friends of Haiti. International Friendship Center, Community Care Clinic, Free Dental Clinic, Literacy Council, Food Pantry, Highlands School, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, and the Counseling & Psychotherapy Center, among others.

Rev. Bruce Walker is the current rector. The Church Chapel is always open for prayer and meditation and guests are welcome at their Sunday and Thursday morning services. For more information, contact the church at (828) 526-2968 or visit their website at incarnationwnc.org.