July 30: St. Augustine to St. Petersburg
This morning, Nancy and I packed, had breakfast, and then drove to Stop #2 of the trolley trail, and proceeded to Stop # 9 in order to more closely explore the following churches: the Flagler Memorial Church and Grace Methodist Church.
First, the Flagler Memorial Church. Henry Flagler built this church to the glory of God as a memorial to his daughter, Jennie Louise Flagler Benedict, who died as a result of childbirth in 1889. The church was dedicated in March of 1890. All lighting fixtures and pews are original. The pews, with all the imported mahogany choir screen, doors, etc. were handcarved and installed during the construction of the church. The bronze double-cross chandeliers and the 12 torch-like lights at the end of the pews were originally gas and were electrified in the 1920s.
The church was built in the Venetian Renaissance style, which is reflected in the pointed arches and Byzantine dome. The architects, Carrere and Hastings, were inspired by St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice and drew from its architectural elements including the Latin cross floor plan. The small tiles in the floor are Italian marble with some patterned mosaics similar to those in St. Mark’s.
The stained glass windows were made by a German artist, Herman Schladermundt. He designed 92 of them, and they were installed in 1902. They contain the Apostle’s Creed.
The exterior of the building was made of concrete, and surrounding each of the doorways and windows were the most beautiful, beige-colored bricks enveloping them and making each surround stand out to its best advantage. Surrounding the church are beautiful walkways, a columbarium, a sundial, and peaceful water moments, providing a quiet setting for reflection and meditation and serving as a beautiful backdrop for wedding photographs. In addition, the church’s Easter Sunday sunrise services are held in the garden each year.
As Nancy and I entered the church, a docent met us and we began talking about the history of the church. She turned out to be an author of eight books, one of which she sold us. Her name: Karen Harvey; her book: “Daring Daughters: St. Augustine’s Feisty Females—1565-2000.” At the end of our time with her, she inscribed both of our books with fine dedications.
Our next stop was Grace Methodist Church, about two blocks away and another Flagler-inspired church finished in 1886. The church was locked, but we rang the office bell and were at least allowed to see the church interior before braving the increasing heat as we entered the narrow Hippolyta Street and searched out a watering hole, as our throats were parched. We stopped at Scarlett O’Hara’s and while there had bacon, lettuce and fried green tomato sandwiches and plenty of water before venturing out again. A few yards later and we were looking at some artistic works of art at the store MetalArz, where Nancy bought a “Island Time” sculptor for Jim and I purchased a gift for Alexandra. Our last act before leaving St. Augustine was to take another trolley ride to our car and then leave for a 3-hour drive back to St. Petersburg. We arrived just in time to eat a quick dinner before the Presidential candidates’ debate began. Ten of the 24 candidates debated tonight, and analysis is going on right now. In my opinion, Williamson, Warren, and Klobuchar were most impressive, with Buttigeig and Beto also worth listening to.
And now it is past 11:00 pm, and I am ready for a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow night, more candidates to listen to. I am aware that 3/4 of the candidates will not make it past this first debate, but perhaps a chance to run for Senate? Let’s hope for either, but most of all, for change! As ever, SV
First, the Flagler Memorial Church. Henry Flagler built this church to the glory of God as a memorial to his daughter, Jennie Louise Flagler Benedict, who died as a result of childbirth in 1889. The church was dedicated in March of 1890. All lighting fixtures and pews are original. The pews, with all the imported mahogany choir screen, doors, etc. were handcarved and installed during the construction of the church. The bronze double-cross chandeliers and the 12 torch-like lights at the end of the pews were originally gas and were electrified in the 1920s.
The church was built in the Venetian Renaissance style, which is reflected in the pointed arches and Byzantine dome. The architects, Carrere and Hastings, were inspired by St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice and drew from its architectural elements including the Latin cross floor plan. The small tiles in the floor are Italian marble with some patterned mosaics similar to those in St. Mark’s.
The stained glass windows were made by a German artist, Herman Schladermundt. He designed 92 of them, and they were installed in 1902. They contain the Apostle’s Creed.
The exterior of the building was made of concrete, and surrounding each of the doorways and windows were the most beautiful, beige-colored bricks enveloping them and making each surround stand out to its best advantage. Surrounding the church are beautiful walkways, a columbarium, a sundial, and peaceful water moments, providing a quiet setting for reflection and meditation and serving as a beautiful backdrop for wedding photographs. In addition, the church’s Easter Sunday sunrise services are held in the garden each year.
As Nancy and I entered the church, a docent met us and we began talking about the history of the church. She turned out to be an author of eight books, one of which she sold us. Her name: Karen Harvey; her book: “Daring Daughters: St. Augustine’s Feisty Females—1565-2000.” At the end of our time with her, she inscribed both of our books with fine dedications.
Our next stop was Grace Methodist Church, about two blocks away and another Flagler-inspired church finished in 1886. The church was locked, but we rang the office bell and were at least allowed to see the church interior before braving the increasing heat as we entered the narrow Hippolyta Street and searched out a watering hole, as our throats were parched. We stopped at Scarlett O’Hara’s and while there had bacon, lettuce and fried green tomato sandwiches and plenty of water before venturing out again. A few yards later and we were looking at some artistic works of art at the store MetalArz, where Nancy bought a “Island Time” sculptor for Jim and I purchased a gift for Alexandra. Our last act before leaving St. Augustine was to take another trolley ride to our car and then leave for a 3-hour drive back to St. Petersburg. We arrived just in time to eat a quick dinner before the Presidential candidates’ debate began. Ten of the 24 candidates debated tonight, and analysis is going on right now. In my opinion, Williamson, Warren, and Klobuchar were most impressive, with Buttigeig and Beto also worth listening to.
And now it is past 11:00 pm, and I am ready for a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow night, more candidates to listen to. I am aware that 3/4 of the candidates will not make it past this first debate, but perhaps a chance to run for Senate? Let’s hope for either, but most of all, for change! As ever, SV
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