Saint Johns Episcopal Church

Has anyone ever told you about the time General Sherman almost turned Saint John’s Episcopal Church into a stable? Saint John’s stands here today. A testament to its enduring spirit. A symbol of Savannah’s resilience. Let me transport you back to 1864. Picture Savannah, steeped in the tension of the Civil War. General Sherman’s troops were at the doorstep, ready to occupy the city. Saint John’s, consecrated in 1853, stood majestically in Madison Square, its stained-glass windows shimmering in the Georgia sun. As the story goes, Sherman intended to commandeer Saint John’s as a stable for his horses. But something remarkable happened. The church’s rector, along with several prominent citizens, pleaded with Sherman to spare the church. They invoked its sanctity, its role as a spiritual haven amidst the chaos of war. Sherman, moved by their plea or perhaps by the church’s imposing beauty, relented. Saint John’s was saved from a fate that befell many other buildings during the war. Today, Saint John’s Episcopal Church continues to serve as a spiritual home for many. Its history is woven into the fabric of Savannah. It is more than just bricks and mortar. It embodies the spirit of faith, resilience, and the enduring power of community. The 1928 Book of Common Prayer still guides the services. It offers a connection to the church’s rich past. Within these hallowed halls, generations have sought solace, celebrated life’s milestones, and found strength in their shared faith. The Tiffany stained-glass windows, eleven of which are dedicated to notable early members, cast colorful patterns across the floor, a silent testament to the church’s history. So, next time you gaze upon Saint John’s Episcopal Church, remember its remarkable escape from becoming a stable. It stands as a beacon of hope. A reminder that even in the darkest of times, faith, beauty, and community can prevail.