
The First Presbyterian Church sanctuary is the oldest public building in Tallahassee. Construction was started in 1835 and completed in 1838. This church contains original slave galleries. Unusual for the times, slaves were admitted to membership. The roof woodwork was mortised and pinned, no nails were used in the original building. The steeple houses the original bell. During the Civil War, the bell was offered to the Confederacy to be melted down to make cannons, but the offer was not accepted. In early days, the sanctuary was used when needed as a place of refuge for women and children when the men went out to guard the town against Indian uprisings. Though not visible from the exterior, rifle slots are built into the foundation walls. This church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
12 comments:
Oh how pretty! It's the real deal. I'd love to shoot a wedding in this old church!
It's a beautiful church, and I've noticed that quite a few Presbyterian churches seem to have clocks on their towers.
Another great post, Lois. I love these old churches, just what I think of, when I think of the early America.
This photo looks like an old Presbyterian church in New Jersey. I know it didn't have slots for rifles. A sad reminder of another time. Lois, as always your photo is lovely.
Another wonderful historical building! Your city seems to be full of them — you're so lucky! I'm curious too: are most of your buildings really white or brick?
This is so different from the catholic churches around here!
Hilda--many of the older ones are white or brick and almost all of the state office buildings downtown are white. I will look for some that are different and try to post them!
Gorgeous church Lois...it looks alot like one that I always wanted to go to in Georgia, but was a Baptist Church.
I don't use the word quaint very often, but pretty and quaint are the words that come to mind!
3 years to build a church!
What work
That's a lot of American history lesson for one building!
Nice! Churches certainly are picturesque. Thank you for the history behind your postings. Terrific!
Post a Comment