Overlooking Brush Mountain, not far from the Appalachian Trail, the site of St. Mary’s Catholic Church provides an opportunity to draw on the rich history of the church and the magnificent surrounding countryside. It was important to the parish to reflect the natural beauty of the New River Valley through an arts-and-crafts approach to detailing and to reach out to and serve the academic community of Virginia Tech. RDG and the church building committee studied the church’s history and the roots of its architectural expression. The resulting master plan included the construction of a phase-one worship space and parish hall plus religious-education and office facilities. Plans for future phases include a gymnasium and expansion of educational facilities.