St. Andrew's Episcopal Church (Darien, Georgia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Andrew's Episcopal Church |
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St. Andrew's Episcopal Church (2011)
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 St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Location in the United States
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| 31°22′06″N 81°25′56″W / 31.36820°N 81.43213°W | |
| Location | 310 Green Street Darien, Georgia, United States |
| Denomination | Episcopal Church |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Episcopal Diocese of Georgia |
| Province | Province IV |
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is a very old and important church in Darien, Georgia. It's part of a special area called the Vernon Square–Columbus Square Historic District. The first church building was finished in 1844. Sadly, it was burned down during the American Civil War.
After the war, a new church was built north of Darien. Then, the church you see today was completed in 1879. Building this new church helped bring people from the North and South together again. It was a sign of healing after the war ended.
A Look at the Church's Past
The idea for the first church started in 1841. Bishop Stephen Elliot approved its construction. It was first called St. Peter's Church, Darien. Later, its name was changed to St. Andrew's. In 1843, it officially became a parish in the diocese. The first leader of the church was Reverend Richard T. Brown.
The first church building was completed in 1844. It stood a short distance north of where the church is now. In 1863, during the American Civil War, something terrible happened. Union soldiers burned down the church. They also looted and destroyed most of the town.
This action was ordered by Colonel James Montgomery. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw was in charge of the troops. He didn't want to burn the town, but he had to follow orders. He later wrote to his mother about how upset he was. Colonel Shaw was killed later in the war. He died during a battle at Fort Wagner in South Carolina.
Rebuilding and New Beginnings
After the war, people wanted to help rebuild. Mrs. Sarah Shaw, who was Robert Shaw's mother, helped raise money. She and her friends sent money to help rebuild the church. This effort was a big part of helping the North and South heal. It also helped them come back together after the war.
The money was first meant for a church at a place called the Ridge. This was just north of Darien. About a year after that church was built, the church members raised more money. They bought land on Vernon Square. This spot was near where the town was attacked during the war.
They started building the church you see today. It was designed to look like old country churches in England. The new building was finished and officially opened in 1879.
In the 1900s, the church sometimes struggled. It changed from being a fully self-supporting church to a "mission." This meant it needed help from the diocese. But in 1989, St. Andrew's became a self-supporting parish again. It has been strong ever since.
See also
- McIntosh County, Georgia
- St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church (Darien, Georgia)
