Collage Image of church and cemetery created by Anna Reamer Baker
Conley Ridge Cemetery & Beacon Church are located in the Penland Community in Penland, North Carolina.
The mountains of Western North Carolina are home to many small communities built on quiet mountain ridges and valleys and anchored by the churches and cemetery's which were a common gathering place for the strong and independent families that called these mountains home.
Conley Ridge Cemetery and Beacon Church are in a Historic District and on the National Register of Historic Places. Beacon Church is recognized for it's architecture and Conley Ridge Cemetery for its association with 19th Century families significant to the Penland Community and to the development of schools in the area, including Penland School of Crafts.
Our Beginning
Conley Ridge Cemetery is set in a beautiful and quiet spot in the woods. This has served as a place of remembrance and memorial for many years with the earliest documented grave dating back to 1871. The cemetery currently has seventy-six grave sites in use and additional sites are available. Historical documents, images and verbal history are currently being compiled and will be added to this site as available.
Collage Image of church and cemetery created by Anna Reamer Baker
Beacon Church was founded in 1939 by Cordie Tipton. The community gathered to make this a reality with 400 people contributing support and 9 carpenters donating their time to make this dream a reality. The church's single room is warm and welcoming with local woods used floor to ceiling and for the pews. Simple windows bring in soft light and views of the trees. The church is no longer used for services but is a place filled with spiritual peace.
Looking to the Future
Our Mission
The Families and Friends of Conley Ridge Cemetery & Beacon Church gathered together looking towards the future and honoring the history of this special place.
Conley Ridge Cemetery, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to ensure the continuing care and maintenance of Conley Ridge Cemetery and Beacon Church.
Get Involved
You can give your support to Conley Ridge Cemetery, Inc by making financial or in kind donations, including volunteer opportunities.