#18, St Augustine Cathedral

 February 23, 2024

Situated across the plaza from the Episcopal Church, it’s difficult to photograph the whole cathedral from any one vantage point, due to the placement of trees.  In 1565 the first mass was celebrated at this location.  That early church was destroyed, but this building, constructed of coquina stone, was begun in 1793, and completed in 1797.

In 1887 a fire severely damaged the cathedral, but they were able to salvage the walls and the façade when they restored it in the following year.  At that time, they also added the chancel, transept, and the bell tower.  As a side note I thought I'd mention that when I visited at the Episcopal church, the lady who showed me around stated that Henry Flagler bought the bell for the Catholic church.  She added a bit more, making it obvious that there are some feelings of animosity there.  Since that would have happened before she was even born, it seemed sad to still be bothered by it. 

Everywhere I travel I’m drawn to visiting churches.  They vary so much by locale, by vintage, and of course by denomination.  From childhood I have attended church in very simple buildings so that’s what I am accustomed to.  But of course, God did give instructions for building a very beautiful, elaborate, and expensive holy place.

There is much to admire in the lavishly appointed St Augustine Cathedral.  The walls are filled with statues, paintings, and stained-glass windows.  Even the ceiling has been attended to.

The Ecstasy of St Augustine

St Augustine by the Sea Shore Talking to a Child

St Augustine Preaching

With no intention of offending anyone, nor desiring a denomination debate, I did observe that most of the adornment was of St Augustine, rather than of Christ.  Nonetheless it is a very beautiful, historic building.