March 8th, 2015
 
It was gray in Charleston, raining too. But, taking off for a walk after we had just arrived on Monday was a must. Passing by St. Michael’s Church we were inspired by this building to go in. This is a National Historic Landmark. St. Michael’s Church is located at 71 Broad St. Tel. 843-723-0603. Website? http://www.stmichaelschurch.net. St. Michael’s Church is one of the few city churches in America that has retained its original design.
Steeples can be seen throughout the City of Charleston. Buildings cannot be built taller than the tallest steeple, which I believe is St. Philip’s Church.
I don’t know about you but regardless of my church affiliation, I do go and visit churches anywhere I find myself. And most of the time I drop something in the prayer request box. I feel I am all covered….having all pray for me.
Catholics were the last ones to arrive in Charleston, South Carolina. The building where St. Michael’s Church stands is the oldest church edifice in the City, dating to 1680. This was, originally, the site of the first Anglican Church south of Virginia. The church got too small for its congregation and then moved a few times. St. Philip’s…more on that church later on. The structured of the building has seen practically little change.
St. Michael’s Church is gorgeous and that day’s docent was so nice. Even with his disabilities he was able to tell us so much about the church. But, did not give him a break when he thought I was my cousin’s mother. Oh, he said….I see the resemblance. We laughed!!
From the photo above, you can take notice of the wood used….the pews are of native cedar and are pretty much the same as they have always been. The chandelier was ordered from London in 1803 and at the time it was lighted first with candles, then with gas and now it is electrified.
The altar is magnificent and it is also Victorian. The chancel rail is wrought iron and dates to 1772. It is considered a fine example of English hand work of the period. It was the first important piece of wrought iron to be imported to Charleston. And, the chairs were purchased by the Vestry in 1817.
The “Governor’s Pew” is No. 43. It is the one in which President George Washington worshipped on Sunday afternoon on May 8, 1791. General Robert E. Lee also worshipped in that pew some 70 years later. And, I believe, Lafayette also worshipped here, as well.
The organ was installed in 1768. St. Michael’s had one of the first choirs of surpliced boys in the country, going back as far as 1794. The surplice is a tunic of white linen or cotton fabric, reaching to the knees or ankles. It also has wide sleeves.
Most of the churches in Charleston have a cemetery attached to them. There are even tours that take you through these last resting places.
In this particular cemetery there are 2 signers of the U.S. Constitution buried; Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and Presidential Candidate John Rutledge.
Have a great Sunday!!
July 26th, 2013
In memory of NAU-GWA-OK-WA (Lydia E. Clark), who died in 1859. She was the last of the Nanticoke Indians in Delaware and Eastern Maryland to speak the Nanticoke language. The memorial was erected by The National Society of Colonial Dames in Delaware in 1927. It was tucked away on a corner road in Oak Orchard; just by itself and it did attract my attention.
A visit to the Nanticoke Indian Museum a few days later was another “serendipity”…not looking for it but finding fortunate discoveries by accident.
The Nanticoke Indian Museum is located within the Nanticoke Indian community. It is not far, at all, from the beaches. It is on Rt. 24 on 27073 John J. Williams Highway, near Oak Orchard and Millsboro. Tel. 302-945-3400. Website? http://www.nanticokeindians.org.
For years I have driven past this museum. I looked at it and continued on. This time, I stopped.
Mr. Sterling Street was in the Museum on that day. I introduced myself and asked if I could take pictures. He gave me permission, but not before he mentioned that I could take all the photos I wanted, but not from the eagles. I was curious and asked him to pardon my ignorance. He said that the Eagle is sacred to the Nanticoke Indian….it flyes the highest and therefore closest to God.
 
Many years ago I knew Butch Coursey who was a Nanticoke. I have not seen him in many years, but Mr. Street told me that he is still around and that Butch had attended school in the building which is now the Nanticoke Indian Museum. He even brought photos out. There are 2 rooms full of artifacts and information. The library houses a large collection of Native American books, photos, and video presentations. The public is welcome to use the library.
The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, from Noon until 4 p.m. It takes no time to get there. And, it is only $3 for adults and $1 for children.
The Nanticoke Indian Museum is the only Native American Museum in Delaware. It is also a National Historic Landmark. Every artifact, carving, pottery, basketry, traditional clothing, and tool has been found in the community and offer glimpses of the complex traditional ways of the Nanticoke Tribe.
 
The portrait of Chief Little Owl caught my attention. If you have visited Bethany Beach, then you must have noticed the Totem Pole that welcomes all visitors to Bethany. That carving is paying hommage to the Nanticoke Indians and, specifically, to Chief Little Owl.
The 2013 Annual Powwow is taking place from September 7th through September 8th. A powwow is a gathering of Native people. And, for the Nanticoke Indians is a time to teach us more about Delaware’s first inhabitants.
So, if the weather is too cool to sit on the beach, and if it is rainy and the shoppers are making you crazy…think about the museums that are scattered throughout Southern Delaware. They are very doable…and let me tell you….kids would love the Nanticoke Indian Museum.
Have a great week-end.
June 8th, 2012
This is the actual key that has unlocked the past of Historic St. Martin’s Church. Preserving it has been a labor of love and much work.
I thought I had gotten an e-mail by mistake. An invitation to a Business after Hours from the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. No, no mistake at all. My connection to this invitation had to do with the Historic St. Martin’s Church.
A Business after Hours where members can relax an meet one another. The location? The Historic St. Martin’s Church is located at 11413 Worcester Highway, Showell, MD 21813. (Rt. 113 & 589 Junction.) Four miles north of Berlin, Maryland. The Church is adjacent to the highway (113). Tel. 410-430-2142. E-mail historicstmartin@aol.com. Website? www.historicstmartinschurch.org.
I don’t think words describe how beautiful this Church is. It was built in 1756, twenty years prior to the signing of The Declaration of Independence. They came by carriage, horse, boat or by foot to worship.
It is so quiet, peaceful and sits on a property that is surrounded by pine trees.
Historic St. Martin’s Church is 256 years old. After all these years, the preserved brick floor remains. The pine box pews, the barrel vaulted ceiling and the magnificent Pulpit are reminiscent of the 18th century.
 
The Berlin Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours, was well attended with a lite fare and drinks available. The Church was open and guests could either sit inside and enjoy the Church or just chat and make friends outdoors. Raffles and a 50/50 drawing were also part of the evening’s activities.
I wrote about St. Martin’s Church last year, on May 9th. If you want to see it, just go under the Archives and click on the month of May, 2011 and scroll down to the 9th.
The Church is worth visiting. It is a Museum. It is open every Saturday, from June until October. Volunteer docents are available for tours. Tour hours are at 10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Historic St. Martin’s Church is the perfect setting for a wedding. Simple, romantic, historic and charming. If you have an interest, please call 410-430-2142, or email hitoricstmartin@aol.com.
Besides weddings, the Church is available for lectures and educational events.
Admission to Historic St. Martin’s is free of charge; but donations are graciously accepted.
Note: Please call ahead of time or e-mail for special assistance or handicap access.
Have a great week-end!!!
July 25th, 2011
Construction started in 1806. It would become a symbol of religious freedom and a treasure for Americans of all faiths.
Baltimore, Maryland, is a city of many firsts, and this is an important one. During its 200 years the Basilica has been visited by dignataries and historical figures from around the world.
George Weigel, who is the biographer for Pope John Paul II said “No other Catholic edifice in America can claim to have seen so much history made inside its walls.”
At least 15 saints or potential saints have prayed at the Basilica. Visit the website for a complete list of the many historic events that have occurred within its walls.
The Basilica is located at Cathedral & Mulberry Streets. Tel. 410-727-3565. Website? www.baltimorebasilica.org. There is a tour schedule which is as follows: Mondays – Fridays at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Saturdays? Call to check availability. Sundays the tour will be at 12:00 p.m. If you happen to have a group of 10 or more then, please call for a reservation. No group tours will be scheduled on Sundays.
There is also a Gift Shop and, of course, the most important part which is the celebration of Mass. There is a daily Mass Mondays through Fridays at 7:30 a.m. and at 12:10 p.m. Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 8:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m. with the choir, and 4:30 p.m.
You know how hot it was this past Saturday. Susie and I headed to the Basilica to continue our sightseeing. We were determined. It was so hot that the streets in Baltimore were deserted.
 The Altar
You cannot believe how gorgeous this Basilica is. It is also huge. The moment I went in I was in total peace and serenity. It does not matter what religious affiliation you are, this is a place for prayer and respect. The Basilica is known as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
I immediately went to the area on the left hand side where the statue of Pope John Paul is located. I lit candles and prayed for the well being of my family. Just around the corner from the Basilica, at the corner of North Charles and Franklin Sts. you will find the Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden which was opened in 2008. It is a quiet oasis for reflection and relaxation.
This Basilica began in 2004 an extensive renovation. It again opened its doors in 2006 to commemorate its 200th anniversary.
The Basilica had 24 skylights. They had been closed or removed over time. Now, replaced and illuminating the Basilica, they are a “living symbol of the light of religious freedom”, which was how they were intended to be.
Another highlight of the renovation was the ability to be able to access the crypt from the inside the Basilica. The crypt holds the tombs of Archbishop John Carroll, the first Bishop of the United States of America, Archbishop Martin John Spalding, and James Cardinal Gibbons.
Note: Just across from the Basilica is the The Enoch Pratt Library. It is the First Public Library System with Branches in the United States. Another first for Charm City.
Dear Baltimore: Stand proud. You are a beautiful city. To understand and respect your past will take you into the future.
Another note: Some information for this post was taken from the brochure America’s First Cathedral.
If you are the type of person that would like to have tours customized for you then, check the website www.zippytours.com. If you want to learn why they came to America, why they chose Baltimore and how they got there, then give Zippy a call.
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