Return to St. Augustine
After a great moving day, our winter road trip continues in St. Augustine. This will be a short post about a little wine and music – after we tour a church, of course.
To start at the beginning of this series, visit Southeast to Sunshine
Settling In
We arrived about 6 p.m. after three great tours, and a tenderloin at Red Frog & McToad’s. After we checked-in and got semi-unpacked at the Grande Villas at World Golf Village, we enjoyed our first cocktail on the screened-in patio by the waterway. We were looking forward to some good stuff that we missed on our last trip here in 2023.
A New Alarm Clock
On this stay, we were awakened bright and early almost every morning by the honks of Canadian geese demanding their personal space just outside our window. I suppose that was better than the sirens screaming past our condo in New Orleans, but it was annoying just the same. I guess that’s the price we have to pay for having a condo by the water. We love the birds and squirrels, but a sign warns about other forms of wildlife that I’m not as excited about. I’m sure glad we didn’t see any of those!
After a day off to get groceries and settle in, we headed out and about for our first self-guided tour.
Presbyterian Memorial Church
Two years ago we oohed and aahed at the outside of this fabulous structure during our trolley ride, but we weren’t able to get inside. Since today was Sunday, the church had services in the morning and then was open to visitors from 12:30 to 3:30. I was still thoroughly impressed by the exterior, but couldn’t wait to get inside!
“The ornate Venetian Renaissance style and Latin cross-shaped sanctuary was inspired by St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. It contains design elements of Spanish, Moorish, Italian, and Baroque style. The copper dome was created in Italy, the floors are Italian marble, the pews are carved from mahogany, and the baptismal font was carved from a single block of Siena marble. The building was constructed using poured concrete mixed with coquina, a process also used in Flagler’s other buildings. Memorial’s sanctuary has been recognized for its architectural beauty and significance.” ~ READ MORE
The Interior was Delightful
Volunteers were at the door to answer questions, and after a short introduction we were able to look around. The baptismal font was carved from a single block of Siena marble, and the organ was stationed on the landing above. The last four photos show the left “arm” of this cross-shaped sanctuary.
The blue ceiling was spectacular and the cross chandeliers that are suspended from it added just a touch of bling. The simplicity, the beauty of the blues, and just the right amount of gold sets this church apart from the more opulent churches we’ve visited in the past.
Another area of worship was located on the right “arm” of the sanctuary. An attached meeting room contained lots of historical information and another gorgeous cross.
A Closer Look
After our tour of the inside, we went back outside and were able to walk almost completely around this beautiful place to see its nooks and crannies and its great angles. The clean white background with lovely red accents were clearly a signature of Henry Flagler, and tomorrow we’ll tour three of his prized locations when he brought St. Augustine to life in the late 1880s.
“The present sanctuary [replaced the original from 1860 and] was given to the church by Henry Morrison Flagler as a memorial to his daughter and was dedicated in 1890. Flagler’s daughter, Jenny Louise Benedict, died due to complications from childbirth. Mr. Flagler and his first wife, Mary, are entombed in the Flagler family mausoleum, which is located in the church, along with daughter Jenny Louise and granddaughter, Marjorie.” ~ READ MORE
“… This Venetian Renaissance Revival style building was constructed by Carrere and Hastings, the same architects who built Flagler’s Ponce de Leon Hotel [currently Flager College]. It was built in less than one year, the copper dome completed while being transported across the Atlantic…” ~ READ MORE
Time for a Break!
San Sebastián Winery was our next stop, because who doesn’t think about wine while you’re at church! After a very quick self-guided tour of the winery, we went up to La Cocina at the Cellar Upstairs and to the rooftop for a serenade by Vinny Jacobs.
We settled on some appetizers, and a bottle of the wine that we liked the most from our free tasting. It was a very pleasant afternoon with a portable heater to take off the chill while drinking al fresco in February. Ahh…
We finished up our stay in the market where we purchased two bottles to go. We’ll definitely come back, but spend more time on the tour reading and taking it all in, instead of being herded through so we didn’t lose our place in line for the tastings. All in all, this was a wonderful venue with a fantastic menu for a beautiful and tasty special night out. We’ll be back!
“Opened in 1996, San Sebastian Winery is a family-run corporation that has evolved into an industry leader since the company was originally formed in 1983 by the Cox family. With over 18,000 square feet, 40,000 gallons of wine storage capacity, and an automated bottling line capable of bottling up to 15,000 bottles per day, San Sebastian remains the second largest winery in the state of Florida. Housed at 157 King Street in downtown St. Augustine in a building originally constructed by Henry Flagler in 1923, San Sebastian embodies the historic feel of the nation’s oldest city.” ~ READ MORE
