Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Monday, March 2, 2009

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Savannah, GA


In June of 2008, George and I took our Anniversary Trip to the Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA area. On that trip, we saw many gorgeous sights. Most of you know that we love to visit and photograph waterfalls, but you may not know that we also enjoy visiting beautiful churches. Through the years, we have seen quite a few churches, but this one, in Savannah, GA, was one of the most gorgeous of all. This church, located in the historic district, is 124 yrs. old--and is the “Mother Church” of the Savannah Diocese. If you ever get to Savannah, make sure you visit this magnificent church. Above you can see the outside front of the church. Below are several more pictures from the inside, plus one of the steeples. Please take time to enlarge the pictures for better views.




This is the altar. Note the beautiful windows above the altar.




The altar--with the Bishop's Chair in the background; The hand-made marble altar weighs 9000 pounds and came from Italy. To the left are some of the Transept Windows and the Holy Oils Ambry.




A good view from the altar looking back toward the entrance; Note the pipe organ (above the entrance), the gorgeous ceiling and the entry way into the cathedral.




This is called the Tabernacle, the place of reservation for the Blessed Sacrament. The altar in front of the Tabernacle is called the Altar of Reservation.




The pipe organ (in the balcony above the entrance) was built in Massachusetts and installed in 1987.




Note the gorgeous ceiling --looking toward the altar. What Beauty!!!




The small wood carvings next to the stained-glass windows are "The Stations of the Cross".




One more look at the outside of this gorgeous cathedral; These are the beautiful steeples of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist. Visit it when you can!!! It is truly awesome and will take your breath away.
Hugs,


36 comments:

Unknown said...

the photos themselves are breathtaking, can't imagine the splendor in person! Great photos! Did George tell you about my email asking him if he was "my" Betsy's George?

Jayne said...

I think I remember visiting there as well Betsy. My hubby is from down around Savannah, up I-16 a little ways and we'd go to Savannah often. There are some breathtaking old churches there for sure. Thanks for sharing your joy with us.

Marge said...

These are such beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing! I love your blog. I hava a Sisterhood award for you on my blog.

Cedar ... said...

Savannah is such a beautiful city. My son was stationed there at Hunter Army Airfield back in the 80's,... I visited Savannah twice at that time. Did you take the historical mansion tour? Or visit the haunted houses? it's a city I'd go back to in a heartbeat.

Kim said...

Stunning photographs. The church is striking both on the inside and outside.

Busy Bee Suz said...

That is just gorgeous. I love all the details....just perfect.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: What a neat tour of a wonderful place of worship.

CountryDreaming said...

Professional-quality photography of this beautiful church ... Excellent!

I Am Woody said...

Wow - just wow!!

Shelley said...

The beauty of these churches is breathtaking! I would've loved to seen these in person!

Diane AZ said...

I love your fascinating picture of the ceiling. It is beautiful way the ribs of the vaulted ceiling fan out towards the top. Breathtaking!

Mandy said...

Wow - just breath taking! I've added you to my little blog family too!

Mandy

Pat - Arkansas said...

What a magnificent cathedral! Your photos are lovely, Betsy.

Susie said...

That is indeed a beautiful church Betsy! I guess they have regular church services there, right? Can you imagine getting to go to a church like that every Sunday?

Anonymous said...

Such amazing beauty Betsy.

Anonymous said...

This church is very beautiful. I've never been to Georgia or South Carolina. Maybe someday.

SmilingSally said...

This could qualify for a BLUE MONDAY POST.

ShabbyInTheCity said...

"God our Father we adore thee"!!
That place would make you want to sing praises constantly!

Leedra said...

Another beautiful cathedral, thanks for sharing the photos with us.

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Diane said...

Dear Betsy, Looking at your beautiful pictures of the magnificent cathedral made me feel as if I was listening to the sweeping passages of a beautiful symphony. Thank you for the lift.

Anonymous said...

Wow, that's a gorgeous interior (and outside too)!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

That is a very ornate building.
Blessings,Ruth

Anonymous said...

I love how the stained glass lets in all of that wonderful light.

Picasa is a cool program. It's pretty versatile and is a cool tool to enhance the world we experience.

Sunny said...

Hello Betsy! Oh my! I love all of the Cathedral photos. My eyes and mind are happy. :)

Rose said...

Betsy, my oh my, that is one beautiful church! I am so glad you showed us both the inside and outside.

BTW, come visit my blog...I have a little something for you!

Unknown said...

Beside solace, a higher meaning, and redemption -- churches have given one of mortal man's greatest gifts: great architecture!

Janie said...

That is a great church, amazingly ornate. I love all the stained glass. You did a great job with the photos, too.

Raymonty said...

Touch my hand at my blog.

Mary said...

These are gorgeous, Betsy! I love beautiful churches, too and am always taking photos of steeples and outsides even if I don't get to the inside of them.

Anonymous said...

Magnificent. It would be something to see it in person. Thanks Betsy.

Femin Susan said...

Wow, those are such gorgeous shots!
Cheers and best wishes.

dot said...

Betsy, if I ever go back to Savannah I'm going to be sure and visit this beautiful church. Your pictures are great!!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Thanks for taking our tour of this gorgeous church. We're not Catholic--but this cathedral is truly awesome. I'd love to hear that organ!!!! Talk about goosebumps.

I hope you enlarged the pictures to get the best looks.

Have a wonderful day tomorrow.
Hugs,
Betsy

Small City Scenes said...

Beautiful, beautiful church and wonderful pictures. Love the stained glass and the tall spires.

Did you know I have a blog called Holy Houses? Check it out. Not as detailed as your post though. MB

Meems said...

Hi Betsy,
I see you over at my sister, Marmee's, all the time. Came by to say hi and scrolled down through your blog to this. Funny thing is-- I too, love photographing churches. Next funny thing... I WAS IN SAVANNAH last June and took lots of photos of this very church. What a small world. My friend and I had attended a conference in NC - she was raised in Savannah - we stopped there overnight on our way back home to Florida. It is a very cool historic district.
Anyway, just wanted to let you know. Loved the post about you and your life-long friends too. blessings!
Meems @ Hoe and Shovel

Connie said...

I love stained glass windows. They are so beautiful.