As you drive down Cane Ridge Road in Paris, KY, you’ll see sprawling farm land on one side of the scenic country road, and an old stone wall on the other. If you don’t look closely, you might drive right on past what might be the most fascinating chapel in the whole state. Storied in history, the Cane Ridge Meeting House is located in a beautiful and unforgettable setting, but the inside is even more mind-blowing, and probably not at all what you’re expecting.

As you drive up to the Cane Ridge Meeting House, it looks like any other church.
Wikimedia Commons/Chris Light
The original structure was built in 1791, making it one of the oldest churches in Kentucky. This photo was taken in 1934 of the original church.
Wikimedia Commons/Theodore Webb
However, when you walk inside the Cane Ridge Meeting House, you'll see that the original structure is inside and still in tact. The stone memorial building you see from the outside was built around the original structure in the 1930s.
Flickr/Janet Cowen
Wikimedia Commons/Chris Light
In 1801, thousands of people came to Cane Ridge Meeting House to participate in the Great Revival hosted by Cane Ridge's Presbyterian congregation. The Great Revival was a significant religious event for Christianity. In 1804, a group of Presbyterian ministers wrote "The Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery" at Cane Ridge. This document started a movement that encouraged unity among Christians.

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You can still attend services at Cane Ridge, as it is still a functioning church.
Wikimedia Commons/Chris Light
You can tour the church's grounds and learn about the major historical events that took place here. They have a museum as well as a cemetery on the property.
TripAdvisor/RetiredTravelerTN
The cemetery is the final resting place for many early settlers, as well as Cane Ridge's minister during the revival, Barton Stone.
TripAdvisor/Southernroads
Barton Stone's grave marker is a white obelisk. He died in 1844.
Wikimedia Commons/Chris Light

For more information on attending a service at Cane Ridge, or bringing a large group to tour the property, visit their website. Cane Ridge Meeting House is located at 1655 Cane Ridge Road, Paris, KY 40361.

Has anyone ever been here before? Were you surprised to see a church inside of a church?

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