In my last post, I said I was thankful for a husband who makes everything fun - even in a graveyard. So, today I'll elaborate on that.
After we left the Smoky Mountains, we visited the St. John in the Wilderness Church in Flat Rock, NC which is the oldest in the western part of the state. This beautiful Episcopal church was built in 1836, and it surely was located in a wilderness at that time. The reason for our visit was for Jem to do research related to a book he's writing about the Civil War. He specifically wanted to get information about Lt. Col. Charles de Choiseul, who fought in the Seventh Louisiana Regiment of the Confederate Army. We visited his grave and that of his wife.
Jem's main focus for the visit was to get information about a flag that was donated to the church by the French government in honor of DeChoiseul. We visited the chapel and were delighted to find it on display in the foyer.
We visited the church office and found a very helpful staff person who looked up historical records for us. We also bought a book there that had good information about the church and the area.
We went back to the cemetery and Jem did more research while I took photos. I was fascinated by the old tombstones that had beautiful, sentimental messages about the deceased. Here are a few examples.
I think it's sad that these kinds of messages are not used on graves today. We should all aspire to be described and remembered in such glowing words.
Jem found some interesting headstones, too:
This grave is right next to the church and is of great historical significance.
He pointed out this headstone, which was made to look like a tree trunk. There were several, and are for the Woodsmen of the World.
There was so much beauty in this place, I'm thankful we visited. . . and I did have fun.
Next week, I'll share some photos for the remainder of our trip.
Have a good week, Gail-Friends, and I'd love to know what are you thankful for this week.
So much good history in a cemetery! It's great that you both took time to appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about the history, Michele.
DeleteThank you so much for sharing your adventure. I am a lover of history and I want to visit that church too. Have a great weekend, Kippi #kippiathome
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you, Kippi. I hope you'll stop in again soon.
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh at your line where you said your hubby makes everything fun - even a graveyard! You can learn a lot in a graveyard. This is my first time here. I enjoyed it a lot!
ReplyDeleteGlad I made you laugh. Thanks for stopping by, and come back soon!
DeleteWhat a beautiful church bldg! Looks like a house from the outside, and I love that, since a church bldg is the House of God. Wish modern churches were as beautiful as the old. I enjoy looking through old graveyards as well, and I too wish we continued the wonderful inscriptions that used to be carved. I had an uncle with the Woodsmen of the World and he also has a very special tombstone.
ReplyDeleteSounds like we are kindred spirits, Janine. Thanks for stopping by today.
DeleteTombstones tell a story and we find them interesting as well. I think this is the first time visiting here so may I say, "Nice to meet you!" Blessings!
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you, too, Joanne. Come back again soon.
DeleteShalom and blessings to you, too.
Such an interesting read. I too love graveyards. My mom sparked my interest years ago.we especially love the old ones which are plenty here in New England.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there are some really old ones up there. My husband has been as far as Pennsylvania to do research for his book.
ReplyDelete