Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - St. Mark's, Chester, S.C.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Chester, SC

This is a first - I am featuring a guest submission for the Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance series! I am not in Chester, SC but my long time blogger friend Lindsay moved there recently and forwarded  this lovely shot of St. Mark's Episcopal church my way. He knows my fondness for these historic chapels. I can't find much history on it but this site has a mini video tour and states that it originated as a Presbyterian Church and was constructed in 1878. Thanks Lindsay!

The morning rain disrupted my walk and it's too hot to do much outside so it's been a chores and puttering day so far. Stay cool, kids!

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - Jekyll Island, GA

Faith Chapel, Jekyll Island, GA

I was on the road this weekend and a bit worried about it considering all the ominous traffic warnings as folks head to eclipse viewing territory. We aimed for Brunswick, St. Simon's and Jekyll Island on the coast of Georgia. It was all new territory for me so I was in my glory. I never tire of seeing new sights.

This Sunday's Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance is the sweet Faith Chapel on Jekyll Island.

Jekyll Island is a small barrier island on the southeast coast of Georgia. It was purchased in 1886 by a group of wealthy industrialists (including J.P. Morgan, William K. Vanderbilt, William Rockefeller, and Marshall Field) and developed into the Jekyll Island Club, a private winter retreat. A clubhouse was completed in 1888, and members built 'cottages' the size of mansions nearby. 
With all the growth on the island, the members needed a place to worship. A chapel was built, but quickly outgrown; Faith Chapel was completed in time for the 1904 resort season.
The chapel's Gothic-influenced design, exterior gargoyles, luxurious carpeting, and rich stained wood interior are enough to impress. But the west wall, on the chapel's front, features a rare treasure. The stained glass window on this wall was designed, installed, and signed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, reportedly one of only five such pieces known to exist.

Luckily we found smooth sailing all the way with no traffic issues at all. We met with friends, had lunch on Jekyll Island, dinner on Brunswick Island and had a lovely water front walk along St. Simon's.

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - God Ain't Mad At Ya!

God Ain't Mad At Ya!, 

I had to get a picture of this sign. It is across from the popular Sweatman's BBQ restaurant in Holly Hill, S.C. 

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - Pineville Chapel

Pineville, SC 

In the mid to late nineteenth century, Pineville was a busy little village with as many as a hundred buildings, including an academy, racetrack, library, churches and homes. People were attracted by the pine trees and thought it was a cooler and healthy environment. 

Sadly most of the town was burned by Union troops at the close of the Civil War in April 1865. Following the war, much of the land that made up the village was converted for use as farmland. There is a sign leading to the Pineville Historic District but it is a few scattered of buildings. The main one is this beautiful chapel on Matilda Circle. 

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church - 1767

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, St. Stephen, SC   

I have been slipping up on the daily part of the daily photo blog. Life has been busy lately. Last night I hosted thirty students interested in health careers at the hospital and tomorrow I host a luncheon to recognize close to one hundred volunteers.

As I uploaded even pictures I came across this series from St. Stephen's church in St. Stephen. It's a beautiful historic church. Oddly what I remembered from a previous visit and had to track down again, was the tombstone with the Southern Gentleman duck hunting. Poor ducks. Even heaven isn't safe for them.

The St. Stephen's parish was set off from the parish of St. James, Santee in 1754. This church was built between 1767 and 1769, replacing an earlier wood frame structure. It is one of South Carolina's well-preserved small brick country parish churches, its unique features including the gambrel roof and pilastered exterior, and the interior ceiling. It was built and designed by Francis Villepontoux and A. Howard who provided the bricks. William Axson was the master mason. There were no regular services in the church between 1808 and 1932, but the building was not neglected. Needed repairs were done twice during the 19th century.

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - Branchville

Sardis Methodist Church, Branchville, SC   

I've been to Branchville, SC. I've had a hotdog and a float at the Churn and I've even enjoyed a great dinner at the Eatery at the Depot but until I recently noticed pictures of the Sardis Methodist Church on SCIway I'd missed it entirely.

A couple of weeks ago I had a chance to direct a drive in the country towards the spot and I am happy I did. I ran into Mickey Byrd who was cleaning debris and tending to the cemetery. He showed me a few of the notable tombs including that of a Spanish American War soldier.

When I asked about the decorated Unknown Indian's grave he said that the Indian had done some odd jobs in the area and when he passed away none of the churches were comfortable burying him in a Christian cemetery. The Sardis church offered a plot just outside the cemetery boundaries and he himself tried to decorated it in a way that would be respectful.

The Orangeburg Times & Democrat: Early inhabitants of the area held religious services outside under the trees prior to the American Revolution. After the war, a little log church referred to as the “Meeting House” was constructed. In 1786, Methodist missionaries preached for the first time there. On Jan. 13, 1811, the log church was moved to a site on the north side of town on land sold by George Hartzog for $1. The land was part of a 417-acre tract which was granted to Tobias Hartzog on Sept. 4, 1786. The name of the church was changed to Sardis. In 1849, a framed church replaced the log structure. Sardis church was in the Orangeburg Circuit until 1866, when it became part of the Branchville Circuit. According to headstones, the cemetery contains the remains of an unknown Indian, Spanish-American War veteran Avery Heaton and at least three generations of the Byrd family.

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - Chapel of St. John the Evangelist

Chapel of St. John the Evangelist, Waccamaw, SC   

Clearly not taken today since it has been pouring rain since early afternoon. When I decided I couldn't go for my usual evening walk I settled into professional level laziness. Now that it is bed time, naturally I will perk up and get a second wind.

I took this picture a few weeks ago on a quick stop at All Saints Parish before exploring Pawley's Island. This little chapel tucked away in the back of the property was a happy surprise. It is comfortably furnished inside with couches and coffee pots for small group meetings and worship next to the larger church building. More information on the SCIway page and on the SC Dept of Archives & History.

Cedar Grove Plantation Chapel – This chapel was built by Dr. Andrew Hassell for his slaves. He had it constructed sometime around 1850. The chapel was given to the All Saints Episcopal Church in 1898 and was moved off the plantation (National Register).

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - Old Sheldon Church Ruins

Old Sheldon Church ruins, Yemassee, SC  

It is well worth the detour on the way back from Beaufort to see the Sheldon Church ruins - each and every time you go to Beaufort because they are that special. Built 1745-55, burned by the British army 1779, rebuilt 1826, burned by the Federal Army 1865. Now it is beautiful just as it is.

To Hell W Sherman, Sheldon Church, Yemasee, SC

 

Churches of Northeast India

Presbyterian Church of India, Arunachal Pradesh, NE India

I am taking you off the Charleston peninsula this evening for a tour of Christian Churches in Northeast India.
The first one was far north in Arunachal Pradesh and in a military encampment area. I nodded, tried to look innocent and showed my camera to the Indian Army soldier guarding the remote border area to let him know I simply wanted a photo of the church.

Meghalaya, India

I am not sure about this one. Any ideas? Certainly a surprising sight on a country road in the hills of India. The wording above the entrance is the latin "Venite ad me omnes" which means "Come to me all". I am guessing it is a Catholic Church.

Meghalaya, India

Meghalaya, India

This is an Anglican Chapel in the old British Cemetery in Shillong. There were relocated tombstones from the years of British occupation here.

Meghalaya, India

I spotted this one perched on the side of a hill on a hike up to the Khasi Sacred Forest.

House of Prayer, Arunachal Pradesh, India

This House of Prayer was in the mountain area far north and on an Indian Army base.

I thought this was in interesting collection and reminded me of many of the village churches I worshiped in as a kid.  No worries - I have albums full of Buddhist Monasteries as well!  You should be able to click on the image to get a higher resolution view.

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance

Jesus Feeds His People

This week's Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance is on a small roadside building close to Lake Marion.

Do not drop clothing donations on their porch but I expect they might accept food. Meanwhile, here is a cute religion related joke for you:

 Religious Light Bulb Jokes  

How many charismatics does it take to change a light bulb? One, since his/her hands are in the air anyway.
How many Calvinists does it take to change a light bulb? None. God has predestined when the lights will be on.
How many Brethren does it take to change a light bulb? CHANGE?!!!
How many Pentecostals does it take to change a light bulb? 10, one to change it and 9 others to pray against the spirit of darkness.
How many tv evangelists does it take to change a lightbulb? One. But for the message of hope to continue to go forth, send in your donation today.
How many Roman Catholics does it take to change a lightbulb? None: Candles only.
How many Amish does it take to change a lightbulb? What's a light bulb?
How many Polygamous Mormons does it take to change a lightbulb? Five. One man to change the bulb, and four wives to tell him how to do it.
How many Jehovah's Witnesses does it take to change a light bulb? Three. One to screw in the bulb, and two to knock on your door and ask you if you've seen the light!
How many Unitarians does it take to change a lightbulb? We choose not to make a statement either in favor of or against the need for a light bulb. However, in your own journey you have found that light bulbs work for you, that is fine. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your light bulb for the next Sunday service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, three-way, long-life and tinted, all of which are equally valid paths to luminescence.

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - Faith, Hope & Charity

Holly Hill, S.C.

I spent the day in the country with good friends and good food. Ribs....yum. It's a lovely drive at this time of year. The fields are green, the corn looks healthy and every time I turn the corner and see this pretty little church I am reminded of how grateful I should be. I've posted it before but this afternoon I stopped to revisit. I even like the name of the church, Faith, Hope and Charity Church. How charming is that?

Thanks to my companions for making it such a lovely day! I made them all look so awful in prank photos I mustn't show them here to protect the innocent. Ha! Let's just say I ordered these Photo Paddles and made them all use them. Saints, I tell ya, my friends are saints!

Old St. Andrew's Tea Room

Old St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Charleston, S.C.

Busy week kids. Too many events after work that get me home ready to crash. I did make it out to the annual phenomena that is the Old St. Andrew's Tea Room on Tuesday and as I am every year, I was simply amazed. We got there at 11:30 and had to steal the Music Director's parking spot because the whole place was full and the lobby overflowing.

The event is completely staffed with volunteers and I've worked in volunteer circles long enough for it to be like old home week. I was greeted and hugged by the hostesses, servers, other customers and the best coconut cake bakers in the back kitchen. They serve the usual tasty plates of chicken salad or shrimp paste sandwiches on white, congealed salad and she-crab soup just like they do every year. I expect there would be a great upset if they ever changed the menu. Bus loads of happy customers regularly drop off from area retirement homes.

The Tea Room continues until April 2nd so you still have time to be part of the tradition and tour the beautiful old church.

Let tea room season begin. The old Lowcountry tradition gets under way Monday when Old St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Tea Room opens for business at the historic 1706 church, 2604 Ashley River Road.

Operating for nearly 60 years and considered the oldest in Charleston, the tea room will be open 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday through Saturdays through April 2. Lunch features favorite local dishes such as she-crab and okra soups, chicken salad plate, chicken salad and shrimp paste sandwiches, spinach salad and homemade desserts.

You might be a Faith Blogger if......

Anson St., Charleston, S.C.

Faith bloggers seem to be one of the fastest growing group of bloggers. I've posted this before but I still get a kick out of this list of clues that you might be a Faith Blogger.

You might be a faith blogger if…

* if you sit in the back row of the church because that's where the wifi signal is the strongest
* if your sermons allow both comments and trackbacks
* if you tithe through a widget
* if you think committing the original sin is getting tempted by the latest Apple
* if you pray that God will allow you to upload your photo to the Lamb’s Book of Life
* if your prayers are less than 140 characters because that's all Twitter allows
* if you ever wonder why the domain of Satan doesn’t have its own URL
* if you think Jesus’ command to Peter to “Feed my sheep” was to allow RSS syndication
* if you think streams in the desert is a blog from Las Vegas

. . . then you just might be a faith-blogger!

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - Khasi Hills

Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India

When I was a kid, living in Shillong, India, we would often attend church services in the outlaying areas. All ten of us would pile in the old yellow Willy's jeep and head far into the hills to remote villages.

I often joke that I have a lifetime pass and won't need to attend another church service as long as I live - and I mean it. I am exempt. Sundays alone could easily involve three separate services, morning, afternoon and end in evening services by kerosene lantern.

I'd spend my time drawing cartoons of the preacher and eagerly offer to take crying babies outside. I'd lay on the grass playing with the kids and torturing ants with my magnifying glass while the congregation belted out the good old familiar protestant hymns in Khasi.

This image is from a brittle slide in my Dad's old box probably from the mid 1960's.

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - Pineville Chapel

Pineville Chapel, Pineville, S.C.

Here I am - taking you to church and it isn't even a Sunday. Surely I get extra points for that? I've heard two or three people lately joining the "church photo in lieu of attendance" club and I found us a sweetie this time. There isn't much left in what was historic Pineville.

Berkeley County’s wealthy planter class, wishing to avoid the fevers associated with their low lying plantations during the summer months, established inland settlements, particularly in areas wooded with pine trees, beginning in the late eighteenth century.

The Pineville Historic District is composed of four principal buildings, three residential buildings and one Episcopal church, ranging in date from ca.1810 through 1925. In the mid to late nineteenth century, Pineville was a densely-settled village that included as many as one hundred buildings, including an academy, racetrack, library, churches, and residences. Much of the town was burned by Union troops at the close of the Civil War in April 1865.

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - St. Luke's

St. Luke's Chapel, Ashley Ave., Charleston, S.C.

I took this picture fairly late in the evening and then noticed the bird on the cross. Check that out! I am sure someone here knows what kind of bird it is. Osprey? Not the clearest shot but here is a larger view.

St. Luke's is the Medical University of S.C. Chapel and as always when I post a picture and google around for info to include, I learn something myself:

St. Luke's Chapel: This popular non-denominational wedding location, located at the corner of Ashley Avenue and Bee Street, was originally part of a Federal arsenal built between 1825 and 1832 by the United States government. It was later obtained in 1879 by the Reverend Anthony Toomer Porter for the education of boys orphaned or left destitute by the Civil War. In 1883 Dr. Porter converted the artillery shed into a chapel. The building served Porter Academy students from 1883 to 1965.

The Medical College (now Medical University) of South Carolina took possession of the property at that time. The Chapel was rededicated on April 17, 1966, and renamed to honor the important biblical figure, St. Luke the Physician.

In September of 1989, Hurricane Hugo severely damaged the building, and most of its contents were destroyed or made useless. The rebuilding of the chapel began as soon as possible and it now meets modern standards of comfort and efficiency while retaining almost all of the building's historical appearance.

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - St. Helena

Old Tabby Chapel, St. Helena, S.C.

I've always liked the expression "Chapel of Ease" but just recently learned that the definition was that of a satellite chapel intended to provide for the ease and comfort of parishioners living some distance from the main parish church.

Chapel of Ease, St. Helena, Beaufort, S.C.
St. Helena’s Chapel of Ease was built in the 1740s to accommodate the planters who lived on St. Helena’s Island, which was some distance from the parish church in the town of Beaufort. The chapel, constructed of tabby and brick, is now in ruins … four thick walls remain with no roof or flooring… having been damaged in a forest fire on February 22, 1886. Tabby is a highly-textured cement made of oyster shells, lime, and sand, and its whiteness gave the chapel the nickname “White Church.”

It is a sweet spot not too far from Beaufort. Take your bug spray. I suspect that's why I've never seen anyone else there. I was instantly attacked by gnats and mosquitoes thinking I was their afternoon picnic.