The Rectory
Also known as: Dyer's Store; Plain Dealing; DHR File No. 02-1831
Why it's listed
Located about one mile east of Keene in southern Albemarle County, the Rectory is a two-story, three-bay Greek Revival frame house with a pedimented portico, end chimneys, six-over-six sash windows and a central-hall plan. St. Anne's Parish bought the site in 1848 and built the rectory on the foundations of Dyer's Store, a mercantile establishment, tavern and wagon stop thought to date from shortly after 1787. The low brick basement shows older construction features, including a pit-sawn sill plate. The house grew in stages: a north wing in 1848, a kitchen and sleeping porch addition around 1903, and another bay in the 1920s. Original stairs, mantels and window and door trim survive. Outbuildings include the former rectory office, two sheds, a barn and a tenant house. The property was valued as a well-preserved example of vernacular Greek Revival design and for its link to local settlement history. The builder is unknown.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the Rectory is a well-executed example of vernacular Greek Revival architecture that keeps much of its original interior and exterior appearance. It also marks the site of Dyer's Store, a late-eighteenth-century mercantile establishment, tavern and wagon stop at an important road junction. Its building and upkeep are well documented in church vestry records.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 91001579, listed November 7, 1991. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Jct. of VA 712 and VA 713, Keene |
|---|---|
| County | Albemarle County |
| Listed | November 7, 1991 |
| Reference number | 91001579 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1787-1925 |
| Architect / builder | Unknown |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival (mid-19th century); Colonial Revival elements |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in an excellent state of preservation and used as a single dwelling; the former rectory office is now a garage and artist's studio. |
| Acreage | 61.3 |
| Within district | Southern Albemarle Rural Historic District |
| Coordinates | 37.85691, -78.53481 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
Religious properties are listed for their architectural or historical significance, not their religious use. Listing is honorary and does not restrict the congregation's use of the building. The federal rehabilitation credit is generally unavailable unless part of the building is income-producing; some state programmes and preservation grants do cover religious buildings. Federal funding or permits trigger Section 106 review.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 91001579.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14713324
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.