The Lost River Valley was frequented by many Native American tribes before white settlers came to the area in the 1700s. The headwaters of the river are located south of Mathias, West Virginia. The first church in the area was made of logs and was built in 1768. Besides being a church, it also served as a school and meeting hall.
The church no longer exists, but the historical marker records its original location.
Historical Marker Inscription
300 yards east is the first Lost River Valley Church. Built of logs, prior to 1797, on land deeded by Anthony Miller, 1831, to the Baptists and Presbyterians “to hold in common for a meetinghouse and graveyard.”
West Virginia Historic Commission, 1963
Location
38° 55’ 45.678” N, 78° 50’ 5.832” W
259 WV-259, Mathias, WV 26812, United States
Historical Markers of the World 