PRESENTED BY VERITAS ACADEMY

Savannah Tour of churches

The details at a glance

WHAT: This tour is a guided exploration of some of Savannah’s most visually stunning and historically significant churches, some over two centuries old. Led by local architects and historians, guests will enjoy an exclusive afternoon of fun and discovery, topped off by a hot chocolate reception.

WHERE: Historic Downtown Savannah

Churches on this Year’s Tour

•  St. John’s Episcopal Church (built 1853) – Father Dunbar

• Lutheran Church of the Ascension (built 1844) – Margo Jones

•  The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist – Docent John Pryor

• The Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah (built in 1819)

  WHO: Presenters on The Savannah Tour of Churches 2020

• Robin Williams -Independent Presbyterian Church

• Father Gavin Dunbar, St. John's Episcopal Church

• Decent John Pryor, Tour Guide, The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

• Margo Jones, Lutheran Church

WHEN: Saturday February 20, 2021; 1-4:30pm

DURATION: 3.5 hours

TICKET PRICE: $55 per ticket. (Discounted rates are available for groups of 10+)

Kids under 12 are free!

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Space is limited! Secure your spot before tickets are gone!

You will be notified before the event of your specific touring group and starting point.
*Transportation available for those who need special assistance. Inquire below.

Special Inquiries: cbrodmann@veritassavannah.org

The churches

A Closer Look

Lutheran Church of the Ascension

Named for its famous stained glass window depicting Jesus Christ ascending into Heaven, the congregation of the Lutheran Church of the Ascension can trace its roots back to German protestants who settled in Savannah in 1734.

The church has operated from its current site since 1771, establishing its first full-time pastor in 1828, and has experienced more than one iteration of building, and several remodels since then. The stained glass window that represents its namesake was installed in 1844.

The church celebrated its 275th anniversary in 2016.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

On January 10th, 1734, Savanah would forever be changed by the arrival of 40 Irish indentured servants, destined for New England, but their fate through stress of weather landed them in Savannah. James Oglethorpe purchased their contracts, giving 5 pounds per head, and the Irish community of Savannah was born, paving the way for future generations of immigrants, a home of opportunity, and hope in the American Dream. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is a passionate representation of Irish heritage. From the 8 thousand pound baptismal pool displaying the Celtic symbol for eternity, captivating canvas paintings throughout, to the tunes of its enchanting organ, parishioners mark The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist as “The Sistine of the South”.

Construction of The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist began in November of 1873 and was completed in 1876. The cathedral stood stubbornly after a fire in 1898 left it a shell of its former self before it was returned to its former glory. More than a century, and two additional restorations later, the cathedral’s two gothic spires reach for the southern sky, beloved fixtures on the Savannah skyline. The interior is resplendent with towering stained-glass windows, intricate murals, and meticulously designed stations of the cross.

St. John’s Episcopal Church

”I beg to present to you as a Christmas gift, the city of Savannah” - General William Tecumseh Sherman, December 22nd, 1864

General Sherman’s “March to the Sea” ended outside of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Taking residence in its neighbor, the Green-Meldrim House, Sherman’s legacy in Savannah will forever be cemented in Field Order #15, and leaving Savannah intact. Imagine the eyes of St. John’s leaders at that time, preaching to Savannah families one week, and then Union leaders the next. The voices of its magnificent sanctuary certainly echo its extraordinary past and present.

One of Savannah’s most stunning churches, both inside and out, St. John’s Church was founded In 1841. The stately church shares real estate with, and ownership of, Savannah’s famous Green-Meldrim House, situated on the western side of picturesque Madison Square. Inside, ornately carved wooden beams adorn the towering vaulted ceiling, framing a pulpit of equally impressive construction. The church’s first rector was the first bishop of the Diocese of Georgia, Stephen Elliott, who consecrated its present building to the service of God on May 7, 1853.

Independent Presbyterian Church

Scotsmen landed with James Oglethorpe at the founding of Georgia in 1733 and brought with them a strong faith. In 1755, the Presbyterian Church of Savannah, later called the Independent Presbyterian Church, was established. Its first building, facing Market Square (now Ellis Square), was erected on property granted by King George II. In many ways it became the mother church of Georgian Presbyterians. Today the church stands tall on Savannah’s Bull Street, its steeple an iconic treasure on the Savannah skyline, and the city’s tallest.

—”What splendid looking eyes”, exclaimed Woodrow Wilson! Those were his first thoughts when he met his future bride, Elle Louise Axson of Savannah, GA. She was a woman of elegance, who adored everything art, literature, and music. The two wed on June 24, 1885 in a beautiful room inside the Independent Presbyterian Church.

How Exciting! I want to explore these beautiful churches for myself!

Saturday February 8, 2021; 1-4pm

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Space is limited! Secure your spot before tickets are gone!

Kids under 12 get in free!

Tour of churches … for a cause

A heritage of grace. A legacy of excellence.

All proceeds/profits from the Savannah Tour of Churches go toward scholarships for students at Veritas Academy.

Veritas Academy provides a distinctly Christ-centered, classical, and covenantal education. Your support helps to shape the hearts and minds of students, as Veritas Academy seeks to cultivate God’s truth, goodness, and beauty in them.

You can make a difference!

Veritas Academy is an independent school, which means they do not accept funding from state or federal governments or religious denominations. This independence allows them to provide students with a truly classical and Christian educational experience.

They rely entirely on tuition revenue and private donations from generous family and friends of the school, charitable foundations, and business partners.

Be a blessing in the life of a child today

Saturday February 20, 2021; 1-4:30pm

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Space is limited! Secure your spot on The Savannah Tour of Churches 2020!

Kids under 12 are free

You will be notified before the event of your specific touring group and starting point.
*Transportation available for those who need special assistance. Inquire below.

Special Inquiries: cbrodmann@veritassavannah.org