Community Chat

[Oznell]

Sounds a little like jam, doesn't it?  Following on the Oxford thread, started thinking (thanks to @spiderw) about the bits of beginning America that we still have intact to love and enjoy.

Of course, North America is different than Europe, there's a constant sort of fast-paced, "renewing" dynamic here, but we still have so much continuity in various pockets around our huge republic.

Thinking of Williamsburg, natch, but also Strawberry Banke in New Hampshire, and historic Wethersfield, Connecticut, and on and on.

Here's the oldest church in America, and here's the kicker-- it's still fully in use, offering Masses all the time!  It's San Miguel Mission (or Chapel) in Santa Fe, New Mexico:

Isn't it stunning in its simplicity?  Built over a period of 10 years, get this, starting in 1610!

Skipping to another century, here's lovely, historic Temple Sinai in New Orleans, Louisiana, the oldest Reform congregation in Louisiana, and the largest Jewish congregation in the state. Founded back in 1870, and still going strong.  I have a personal connection to this one.  While in grad school in New Orleans, many's the Friday night service I and my chums attended at Temple Sinai. 

Skipping back to Wethersfield, Conn.  It was a Puritan town founded in the 1630's.  The Old Wethersfield neighborhood is the oldest historic district in the state, and has 1100 period buildings, all preserved.  In one of the Wethersfield structures, General George Washington and French General Rochambeau planned their revolutionary strategy!

And here's one that gives me chills, Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, Virginia.  Although founded in the 1660's, the present church (with later enlargements) was built from 1712 through 1715.   Also still active, these centuries later!

But the excitement about Bruton Parish for me is that my beloved George Washington actually worshipped here.  Of course, he attended many, many churches over the course of his life.  There's even an old, old congregation that has a treasured stained glass window they've kept, which shows him taking communion in their congregation!

At Bruton Parish Church, George Washington even had an assigned pew, no. 16, that you can see.  It's a lovely church:

Humbling to think of all the other notables who walked there too.  

Can't even scratch the surface of all the historic places that have kept largely intact over the centuries in America.  Much to savor!

[CelticCrafter]

Even though it's nothing like the church I went to growing up, for some reason the last picture reminds me of it.

[cimeranrose]

Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures and descriptions @Oznell . Fun post. Love that pretty little church George Washington worshipped at.

[Catiele]

Enjoyed your post. In our town we have an historic church. It was built about eighteen twenty two. All Christians were welcome. About eight years ago they had an open house. We went and it was memorable in many ways. The church was open and there were many speakers. All very interesting. The cemetery was behind the church. We went on a horse and buggy ride. We learned more about the area. It is a plain white building that suits the time and the era. A memorable day.

[jannabelle1]

So interesting! I love the Bruton Parish Church interior photos. I wonder about the age of that beautiful pipe organ in what I assume to be the "choir loft". I so enjoy these historical photos - thank you so much for posting them.

[Oznell]

Yeah, there's just something about contemplating, or, if we're lucky, entering, these old, old buildings -- for me, it almost flips me into a whole other mindset, one that is serene and expansive.  Historical architecture affects me that way.  Of course, it can be a huge wrench in the other direction too--  I will never forget as a teenager, entering small, oppressively confining, slave quarters on an historic plantation.  It's not exaggerating to say that the historical "weight" and drag of those little rooms is immediately experienced as devastating to the entrant. 

[spiderw]

Thank you, Oznell, for the research and descriptions of such wonderful historic buildings!!!  It makes me feel good to know many places are saved, you just have to research and see!  You do that so well!

The churches are amazing and the temple spectacular!  I am a history lover and it is uplifting to know much is saved.  Thanks for your interest and passing it on to all of us.  

I do have to mention, often when a historical home or building is on the chopping block, it is because of lack of money to repair and pay for upkeep.  To me, it isn't about money but saving our heritage and past.

[Oznell]

You put it so well, @spiderw --  "...it isn't about money, but saving our heritage and past".  Exactly.

[haddon9]

Elreth's Alley is the oldest continuing residential street in the US. It's in the heart of Philadelphia.

http://www.elfrethsalley.org/ . (Sorry I can't figure out how to post a photo using this computer).  It started out as a cart path in 1706.

[Oznell]

Wow, @haddon9 , here's your Alley--  it's beautiful!   Thank you so much for giving us that link.  I have to leave shortly, but can't wait to get back and explore it thoroughly.  It looks like a very good online site.

If anyone else has interesting historical places to post, please do.