Memorial Presbyterian Church - St. Augustine, FL
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member Marine Biologist
Assisted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Biologist Marine
N 29° 53.612 W 081° 19.006
17R E 469415 N 3307030
The beautiful Memorial Presbyterian Church, located in historic St. Augustine, is the home of Florida's first Presbyterian congregation.
Waymark Code: WMR2B3
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 05/02/2016
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member veritas vita
Views: 5
Created From:
 Memorial Presbyterian Church - St. Augustine, FL - posted by Biologist Marine

According to the "Drive the Old Spanish Trail" (visit link) website, the Memorial Presbyterian Church is one of several must-see stops on the OST.

An historical marker on the church grounds provides the following information about this old church:

SIDE 1: St. Augustine had no Prostestant church when it became an American town in 1821. At first a united Protestant church was favored. Many denominations sent missionaries such as Presbyterian Eleazer Lathrop, who first arrived in 1821. By October, 1823, the few resident Presbyterians had decided to build their own church. Rev. Wm. McWhir arrived to organize the congregation. In 1824, the First Presbyterian Church was constituted and a cornerstone was laid for a structure. That church, which was located on St. George Street, housed Florida's first formally constituted Presbyterian congregation until 1890.

SIDE 2: Henry M. Flagler, whose efforts greatly aided the opening of the east Florida coast for development, built the Memorial Presbyterian Church in memory of his daughter, Jennie Flagler Benedict, who died tragically in 1889. He presented the magnificent Venetian Renaissance style structure to the First Presbyterian Church. Upon moving in to the new building in 1890, the congregation took the name Memorial Presbyterian Church in honor of their benefactor. The remains of Henry Flagler lie beside those of his first wife, Mary, and his daughter in the mausoleum.
Submission Criteria:

Distinctive or Significant Interest


Website with More Information: [Web Link]

Address of Waymark:
36 Valencia Street
St. Augustine, FL USA
32084


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stevepre2 visited Memorial Presbyterian Church - St. Augustine, FL 03/19/2022 stevepre2 visited it
Markerman62 visited Memorial Presbyterian Church - St. Augustine, FL 09/18/2020 Markerman62 visited it
wildernessmama visited Memorial Presbyterian Church - St. Augustine, FL 06/25/2018 wildernessmama visited it

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