The sanctuary of Hopwood Memorial Christian Church frequently feels charged with history — as one of the oldest congregations in the area, its almost 200-year history ties it to a number of historical figures and events.

However, Oct. 25 and 26 the congregation invites the public to a quilt display of old and new quilts inside the auditorium.

The exhibition will honor the past and look to the future as donations from the show will be applied to the church building fund. This is the fourth year the church has hosted the quilt show.

In the 1930s the women of Hopwood raised money to buy the church’s beautiful stained glass windows by coming together and making quilts and then selling them.

“Although the congregation isn’t selling any quilts this time, it is a nice nod to the church’s heritage to have the quilt show, as well as being a chance to showcase some local art,” said a church spokesman.

There are a wide variety of quilting types and patterns, including Amish quilts, utilitarian quilts, and yo-yo quilts, plus other hand-crafted fabric arts, some in excess of 100 years old.

The exhibition is staffed by church members and quilters ready and able to answer questions about the quilts on display or about the art and history of quilting in general.

Hopwood Memorial Christian Church is located adjacent to the campus of Milligan College, and the show will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Admission is free and open to the public, with donations accepted to go towards the church’s building fund.