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.

Thanks Augusta!

James Brown statue, Augusta, Georgia

We made the most of Augusta, Georgia during our evacuation days. At first it seemed oddly abandoned and we finally asked why we were the only ones at what appeared to be a popular lunch spot on a lovely day. They looked at us strangely and said, "there is a hurricane coming, you know." Well, yes, I did know but this was our safe place. It hadn't dawned on me that their schools were cancelled as well.

By the next day everyone roaming and shopping were fellow east coast strays comparing notes and fears. I suggested that the antique store post a Welcome Refugee sign. My son got some work done and I listened in on periodic team meetings from home and in between we wandered the downtown, took the canal boat ride and caught a few movies. Thanks for the welcome Augusta.