As soon as we reached the downtown area we both almost forgot about anything else but the charm and beauty all around us. Our daughter had told us we needed to visit St Augustine and especially to take the time to view some of the churches. Luckily finding a parking space for our truck, (it doesn't fit in the visitor center parking garage), we grabbed the cameras and headed for St Augustine's Basilica and then the Memorial Presbyterian Church.
We love to view stained glass windows, stunning architecture, and exquisite stone and wood work and the two churches we hoped to visit, promised lots of both. Traveling like we do has given us the opportunity to visit many of the beautiful churches in the United States..
So when we approached the exterior of the Basilica we saw a sign for a temporary entrance to the side of the church and then another sign that told of the current restoration project. Still we were able to enter and enjoy the beauty of the altar area and the side chapel of Mary. Taking a moment to say a prayer of thanks for our safe journey, we enjoyed the beauty of the ceilings frescoes and the intricate detail of the stained glass windows.
Deciding that we need to return after the restoration has been completed we next headed to the Memorial Presbyterian Church. As we passed by Flagler College, classes were just getting out and we both remembered how busy it was at the University we attended.
Enjoying the beauty of the College we both stopped as we came in sight of the Memorial Presbyterian Church. We had read that the church was ranked as one of the top ten architectural designed small churches in the United States and we could see why. Constructed of cement mixed with local coquina, the church did a great job of hiding its inherent strength with stunning arches and a central dome.
As we walked outside a beautiful sundial stood in a small alcove, its tarnished brass crying for the sun, (a tree has grown and hidden it in shade). The dome itself and all the exterior gutters are a beautiful example of incorporating the tarnishing properties of copper, (one of the reasons we love working with untreated copper and brass in some of our jewelry designs).
Stepping inside the darkened church we were dazzled by the richness of the dark woodwork and the brass cross fixtures hanging from the ceiling. Once they had been lit with gas, and there is a cross left with the original gas vents in a side room, they shone brightly above the dark wooded pews.
The lectern was an exquisite carved dais that stood centered in the arms of the cross like structure, (many churches are built in either a cross or an ship/arc pattern).
The curator explained the significance of the dome symbols and explained that the ceiling had been restored and changed after moisture had damaged the original design. Side areas held displays of stunning examples of antique furniture. One in particular held curved designs of shaped and polished brass decorations, while another held a case enclosing a bible with a sterling silver decorated cover.
Returning outside, we walked around the church and every side of the exterior made us pause and drink in the flowing lines and intricate details. The church was built by Flagler as a monument to his daughter after she had died during childbirth and you could see he spared no expense.
If you are ever in St Augustine the historic downtown and the two churches are a must see. We know that we will want to visit here again and when we do we will definitely return to enjoy both of these churches. It has been a special blessing to enjoy such beauty. A special thank you to all the churches that allow guests to view their interior areas. Clear skies
We are enjoying your posts of the St. Augustine area. They have brought back many good memories. We really enjoy visiting there.
ReplyDelete