National Register

All St. Andrew’s was happy to receive the prestigious National Register of Historic Places recognition recently. This award announces to the general public that ours is an American property that was created some time ago and that it will continue to retain its physical characteristics in the future. It is a fitting acknowledgment of the good works of members of St. Andrew’s from 1871 until today.

Many of those features that create the beauty and feeling of closeness to God began as gifts to St. Andrew’s as memorials to others: often to family, often to friends, sometimes to heroes, but always to the glory of God. The ambience created by these tokens of love played an important part in our being selected for National Registration.

When we worshipped in our first church building, which in reality was a rude frame structure, memorials began to flow in, and today they are an integral part of our church. Think of our lectern with its widespread wings. It was given in honor of Merobah Crane and originally stood in our first church building. A number of stained glass windows were brought over from that building when our present church was built, all of them memorials.

In the new building, furnishings were needed to complete the church. They came; a marble High Altar in memory of Helen Dorchester, the Reredos and a Credence Table in memory of Lily Frierson Knight, and another Credence Table in memory of the Rev. Charles E. Pattillo came at various times. In the back of the church there came a Baptismal font given in memory of Lucy Aycock - and the rail around the font had originally been the Altar Rail from the old wooden church!

Two World Wars produced memorials to those killed, and to honor those who served in our armed services. On July 4th of this year we will recognize those who served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts when we dedicate plaques to them.

In the sanctuary, in the nave, and in the transepts we are surrounded by a variety of memorials, each one contributing to the beauty of our church.

So, now when we reflect on the honor of being selected as a nationally recognized historic place, we must pay homage to the countless number of patrons who have made St. Andrew’s the beautiful and holy place it is today. It is these loyal members of this parish who are really the recipients of the honor we have just attained.

Charles G. Mullen Jr.