First Congregation Sons of Israel

April 7, 2022

St. Augustine, FL

Established in 1923, the First Congregation Sons of Israel Synagogue became home to many people of the Jewish religion here in St. Augustine. Families that started this congregation immigrated from Eastern European and Russian countries. Rabbi Jacob Tarlinsky was the first Rabbi during the establishment and dedication of the church. Since the founding of the First Congregation Sons of Israel, environmental impacts have left the synagogue with many projects. Hurricane Matthew hit St. Augustine on October 7, 2016, and did not reopen until August of 2018. The hurricane caused much damage to the building but created beautiful additions and transformations from the destruction. Today visitors can see the Star of David mounted on the ceiling above the chandelier, intricate and beautiful stained glass windows, and the awe of the synagogue as a whole when touring or attending services held inside. Jewish holidays are exhibited here as well as weekly Shabbat services on Fridays and Saturdays. Whether visiting or attending a service, the wonders of this historic building are a must-see in St. Augustine. 

Website Link: https://www.firstcongregationsonsofisrael.com/

Artifact 1

The chairs that are pictured above have been restored since Hurricane Matthew's destruction of the Jewish synagogue. Today, the chair cushions are boat seats. Boat seats make these chairs comfortable for enjoying services. When the synagogue was first founded in the 1900s, the men and women of the congregation were separated. During services, women would sit on the balcony while the men would sit on the ground floor. Years ago, this way of separation was customary.

Artifact 2 

The Jewish Menorah is displayed in the First Congregation Sons of Israel Synagogue next to the Ark of the Covenant. This oil lamp holding seven branches represents faith and hope by the light of the flames. In the Jewish religion, the symbol of the Menorah is important. It is the symbol of Judaism. 

Exterior 1

Exterior 2

In Conversation Image 1

The stained glass windows inside the First Congregation Sons of Israel Jewish Synagogue came from a Jewish synagogue located in Atlanta, Georgia. This synagogue was being torn down because of an interstate highway that was being put in its place. This specific window, pictured above, depicts the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark of the Covenant in the Indiana Jones movie looks just like the one pictured on the stained glass. In the movie, "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark", Indiana Jones is trying to get to this same ark before his opponents obtain it for world domination. 

Picture Link: https://movieweb.com/indiana-jones-ark-of-the-covenant-antiques-roadshow-video/

In Conversation Image 2 

 

In the First Congregation Sons of Israel Synagogue, the ceiling is adorned with the Star of David above the chandelier. Being inside a Jewish synagogue reminded me of Israel and its flag. The country of Israel's flag has the Star of David placed right in the center. This is the symbol of Judaism and the Jewish faith. Originally, the Star of David was a symbol of Zionism. When Israel was becoming a country, they wanted a symbol represented on the flag to reflect Christianity the way the cross did. They chose the Star of David because this shape was recognized among the Jews and seemed like the obvious choice for the flag. On October 28, 1948, the flag of Israel was adopted and that is the flag we see represent the nation of Israel today. 

Photo Link: https://www.jpost.com/tags/star-of-david 

In Conversation Literature

Parable of the Sower Graphic Novel 

Damian Duffy 

"God is power."

Damian Duffy's graphic novel interpretation of Parable of the Sower follows the main character Lauren Olamina through her spiritual journey in a crumbling future version of America. In the novel, Lauren's notes on her religious beliefs state a list of what she believes God to be. I related her statement of "God is power" to the First Congregation Sons of Israel because they have seen God's power throughout the hardships that the synagogue has endured. The faith that the people of the church have held onto has carried them through the destruction that Hurricane Matthew made years ago. God's power is exhibited in the history of the beautiful building. Even after the damage that was done, God provided the means to restore the synagogue showing his faithfulness and power to the people of the First Congregation Sons of Israel. 

Creative Component

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

March 31, 2022

St. Augustine, FL

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument has protected the city of St. Augustine for hundreds of years. The fort began construction in October of 1672 by Governor Manuel Cendoya. Previously, the fortifications that stood in the place of Castillo de San Marcos were built with wood. These wooden structures could not withstand the attacks or Florida's weather hurdles. According to the National Parks Service website, known as America's oldest masonry fortress, the Castillo is the only military construction from the 17th century still standing in the United States. The fort was named a national monument in 1924 and then put under the National Park Service's care a few years later in 1933. This creation is an engineering marvel and is visited by thousands of tourists each year. 

Website Link: https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm 

Artifact 1

The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a fortress made out of a stone called coquina. This type of stone is made up of compressed seashells. Coquina is formed over thousands of years by an acidic substance acting as a glue for the small shells to solidify and become limestone. The term coquina is a Spanish word that means tiny shell. Coquina used to build the fort was found in what is today Anastasia State Park. After the Spanish realized how resilient the coquina stone was, a wall was built around the city with coquina to protect the people of St. Augustine.  

Artifact 2

When the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument was built, the surrounding moat was not meant to hold any water. This area was for the cattle, animals, and a protective barrier for when the fort was under attack. In 1936, the moat surrounding the fort was filled with water by the National Park Service to serve as more of an attraction. A few years later, the National Park Service realized filling the moat with water was damaging the monument. The foundation was found badly damaged and repairs were made after the water was drained. 

Exterior 1

Exterior 2

In Conversation Image 1

Coming from Oklahoma and having a military background, I was reminded of Fort Sill, Oklahoma which became the new home for the Apache Tribe Indians. During the relocation of the Native Americans, the American government relocated the Apache Tribe from Florida to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Following the frontier era, the Fort Sill was considered to be handed back to the Apache Tribe. However, the fort was instead expanded to house the School of Fire in 1911, an Infantry School in 1913, and the Army Air Services Post Field in 1917. More than 50,000 soldiers trained here during World War II. Today, what was the School of Fire is the Field Artillery School. Officers and enlisted personnel receive both basic and advanced training here. 

Photo Link: https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/local-news/first-confirmed-covid-19-case-at-fort-sill/

In Conversation Image 2

Fort Matanzas is a monument not far from the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. This fortification is located off the Matanzas River and is also taken care of by the National Park Service. I thought of this fort because it was created with a similar style to the Castillo de San Marcos and acted as an aid to the Castillo. Fort Matanzas was built by the Spanish to protect the back entrance to the city of St. Augustine in 1742. The location was intentional because the Castillo de San Marcos fort could not protect the city from the rear. By building protection at the entrance to the Matanzas Inlet, Spanish soldiers could still guard St. Augustine from attacks. Later, Fort Matanzas became a National Monument on October 15, 1924. 

Photo Link: https://gregdisch.com/2020/10/22/fort-matanzas-national-monument/ 

In Conversation Literature

Parable of the Sower Graphic Novel

Damian Duffy 

"For survival, position, power.

They remember old hates and generate new ones,

They create chaos and nurture it.

They kill and kill and kill.

Until they are exhausted and destroyed,

Until they are conquered by outside forces..." 

When reading the Parable of the Sower, this quote reminded me of the Castillo de San Marcos Fort and how much conflict the fortification has been through. Humans can act in evil ways to get what they want. When the fort endured wars and attacks, there was chaos, fighting, and death. Just like the excerpt from Parable of the Sower, soldiers would kill until they conquered and attained what they set out to get. To survive, and obtain position and power, wars would break out causing only negative impacts. Many conflicts took place throughout the Castillo de San Marcos Fort's history, but we learn today from those actions. 

Creative Component

Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center

March 24, 2022

St. Augustine, Florida

What used to be the Excelsior High School building is now home to the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center located in the historic district of Lincolnville in St. Augustine, Florida. In 1925 Excelsior became St. Johns county's first public high school, in 2005 it became the Excelsior Museum and Cultural Center, and the year 2012 brought about the name it is today. The museum's goal is to share the rich African American history stories through their exhibits and programs held on the historical site. Exhibits such as ways of life, the military, and women who made a difference show the evolution of St. Augustine's black history throughout the past 450 years. 

Website Link: https://www.lincolnvillemuseum.org/ 

Artifact 1

During the Civil Rights Movement, a sit-in took place here in St. Augustine, Florida. Above is the same counter and chairs from Woolworth's, a cafe here in town during the time where a sit-in took place. In protest, eight students who attended Florida Memorial College sat at this same lunch counter on March 15, 1960. JoeAnn Anderson Ulmer, Samuel White, Audrey Nell Edwards, and Willie Carl Singleton were called the St. Augustine Four and they were four of the eight students who demonstrated the sit-in. They were arrested and taken to jail. 

Artifact 2

Before the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center was the museum it holds today, it was the school for black youth in the Lincolnville community in the early 1900s. When Excelsior High School opened in 1925, it was the first black public school in town. The photos on display in the museum show a few of the graduating classes of students. Excelsior High School was an educational institution for over 40 years and educated many who went on to succeed in life. 

Exterior 1

Exterior 2

In Conversation Image 1

Outside the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center, there are bricks on the ground with writing engraved. Some of these bricks are dedicated to the loving memory of those who have passed before us. The picture above holds Leslie Andrea Jones's loving memory and her legacy of living on through her daughters. The picture next to the bricks is of the stars on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. These plaques reminded me of the bricks outside the museum because they both memorialize and recognize people. Walking on top of people's names makes you reflect and think about them and their memory. 

Photo Link: https://www.underlondonlights.com/hollywood-walk-of-fame-stars-handprints/

In Conversation Image 2

Willie Galimore was a graduate of Excelsior High School and made a successful career as an All-American football player. He attended college at Florida A&M and helped the team to win four conference titles and a championship game. He then played for the Chicago Bears starting in 1956. During his time playing for the Bears, Galimore made records and carried the team to victories. He died in July of 1964 while on a training camp in India. He died in a car accident with his teammate John Farrington. After his passing, the No. 28 jersey that Galimore wore was retired in honor of him. 

Photo Link: https://imasportsphile.com/nfl-chicago-bears-rb-willie-galimore-willie-the-wisp/ 

In Conversation Literature 

Excerpt from Habitat Threshold

Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Glacier

Craig Santos Perez

"When the glacial terminus broke,

it marked the beginning 

of one of many waves."

Though this poem refers to the environment and glaciers, I see the relation to the racial culture that was exhibited in society during the Civil Rights Movement. Years ago when America was battling the segregation of African Americans, movements, protests, and demonstrations were seen happening quite frequently. We see that when one injustice took place, a movement would generate. Just like the sit-in here in St. Augustine, demonstrations such as this were happening all over the country crying out for the fight against segregation. The "glacial terminus breaking" relates to when an unfair event would happen to cause the "beginning of one of many ways." Bigger movements were born from smaller injustices taking place and that connection is referenced in "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Glacier." 

Creative Component

Lightner Museum

March 10, 2022

St. Augustine, FL

What was known as the Alcazar Hotel built by Henry Flagler is now the Lightner Museum located in the middle of historic St. Augustine, Florida. The inside of the museum houses numerous art and history exhibits that guests can walkthrough. The art and paintings displayed in the Lightener are collections of Otto C. Lightner who bought the Alcazar Hotel in 1947. Otto Lightner turned the hotel into the museum it is today to showcase his collections that visitors come from all over the world to see. 

Lightner Museum Website: https://lightnermuseum.org/ 

Artifact 1

Felix F. de Crano was the artist of the painting of King Street above. De Crano was a French-American born in 1839. When Felix F. de Crano would come down to St. Augustine for the winter, he would be a part of the Flagler Colony, a group of artists here in St. Augustine. This group would stay in Henry Flagler's hotel, the Ponce de Leon, where they had access to art supplies and where they were close to the beautiful architecture of the city that they would paint. The photo above is a painting by Felix F. de Crano titled King Street Looking East done in 1906. 

Artifact 2

The above display is a collection of items from the Alcazar Hotel pool. When what is now the Lightner Museum was the Alcazar Hotel, it held the largest indoor pool in the world. The Women's Swimming Championship was held here in 1925. Today it acts as an event space and holds the Alcazar Cafe. 

Exterior 1

Exterior 2

In Conversation Image 1

The view of the inside of the Lightner Museum looks very similar to the inside of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt. Both buildings have the same architectural style. The photo on the top shows the Egyptian Museum and the photo on the bottom shows the Lightner Museum. The similarities can be seen in the rounded arches and the balcony on the second floor that looks onto the lobby floor. The Lightner Museum also has many columns just like the Egyptian Museum not seen in the photo. The museum in Cairo was constructed and designed by a French architect and the museum here in St. Augustine was built and inspired by Spanish artists in the form of Mediterranean Revival style architecture. Though both museums have vast differences, the architectural styles are quite similar. 

Cairo Museum Photo Link: https://lemiapp.com/michfrancesca/travel-for-history/the-museum-of-egyptian-antiquities 

Lightner Museum Photo Link: https://pixels.com/featured/1-the-lightner-museum-rich-franco.html

In Conversation Image 2

The Lightner Museum held many different artifacts and one that I found interesting was the Egyptian mummy of a child from the year 500 BC. This artifact reminded me of the Royal Mummies Hall in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt. This room displays the mummies of Egypt's past royal kings and queens. Out of the 20 mummies on display, 2 are queens and 18 are kings. The way that the Egyptians preserved bodies after death can be greatly appreciated when seeing these mummies from the 17th through 20th dynasty displayed and intact today in the Egyptian Museum. 

Photo Link: https://newsus.cgtn.com/news/2021-05-19/Egypt-opens-two-new-museums-at-Cairo-International-Airport--10nB1UHrTHy/index.html 

In Conversation Literature

Excerpt from Habitat Threshold 

Love in a Time of Climate Change

Pablo Neruda

"I love you as one loves last seed saved within a vault" 

This excerpt reminds me of the way that special artifacts are saved and taken care of in the Lightner Museum today. "The last seed saved within a vault" can refer to the paintings and collections that the museum has on display that were pieces chosen to save from history. The museum acts as a type of "vault" for these artifacts. A vault keeps something valuable and special protected and these pieces of history are worth protecting for people to come to appreciate. 

Creative Component

Charcoal on paper.

Walking around the Lightner Museum I saw many sculptures of busts. The art pieces exhibited in the museum inspired me to draw my own bust out of charcoal. 

Tolomato Cemetery

February 24, 2022

St. Augustine, FL

Tolomato Cemetery is a historic landmark in St. Augustine, Florida measuring less than an acre of land. From the 1800s through 1884, about 1,000 bodies were buried under the grounds of the cemetery. Ordinary people, as well as major historically impacting individuals, can be found resting here. People from places and origins all over the world and soldiers who fought in the Civil War are buried here. An important Cuban bishop is also found resting here. This place has undergone many momentous periods such as the First Spanish Period, the British Period, and many more eras that the state of Florida has been through. The special and impactful stories of those who lived before us are recognized and remembered here at the Tolomato Cemetery.

Tolomato Cemetery Website: http://www.tolomatocemetery.com/ 

Artifact 1

The photo above is an above-ground tomb of a 16-year-old girl. She was buried in the year 1798 making this marker the oldest marked burial in the state of Florida. Sometime after she was laid to rest, grave robbers stole the clothes from her tomb. Soldiers from the Castillo de San Marcos Fort were known grave robbers and eventually returned the clothing. 

Artifact 2

The Tolomato Cemetery holds many soldiers buried bodies. Many veterans from the Civil War were buried here. The marker on the tombstone distinguished them as veterans of the confederate army. People buried here most likely did not die in battle but of natural causes. The tombstone holds not only the symbol of a confederate army veteran but also the rank of the soldier. 

Exterior 1

Exterior 2

In Conversation Image 1

Above is a photo of King David's tomb in Jerusalem, Israel. The sacred tomb of the Bishop in the Tolomato Cemetery reminded me of King David's tomb because both of these burial sites are sacred places to those of their religion. Just like the importance of the history of King David to the Jewish faith, the Spanish Bishop's history is significant in the Catholic Church.

Photo Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/k4eyv/50270466978  

In Conversation Image 2

I was reminded of the Arlington National Cemetery pictured above on the right when I saw the markers of the military veterans in the Tolomato Cemetery. In the Arlington National Cemetery, soldiers' markers are organized, polished, and labeled with the soldiers' rank. Just like in Arlington, the tombstones in the Tolomato Cemetery were placed in an organized and clean line, they were all the same white marbled stone, and they were labeled with the rank of the soldier.

Photo Link: https://www.usatoday.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fin-depth%2Fnews%2Fnation%2F2021%2F05%2F28%2Fphotos-arlington-national-cemetery-flags-in-memorial-day%2F7485347002%2F

In Conversation Literature

Excerpt from Habitat Threshold

Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Glacier

Craig Santos Perez

“We do not know which to fear more, the terror of change or the terror of uncertainty…”

Visiting a cemetery causes a person to reflect. Going to the Tolomato Cemetery made me reflect. It made me think of those I have lost and all that I want to do before I pass. This quote from Craig Santos Perez's "Habitat Threshold" poem reminded me of the feeling that was conjured when I was standing in the cemetery. As humans, we naturally fear the uncertain future and death. The "terror of change or the terror of uncertainty" should not scare us. It should encourage us to live fully and accomplish our dreams because we do not have forever. 

Creative Component

   

Oldest House Museum Complex

St. Augustine, FL

February 17, 2022

The Oldest House Museum Complex is a special part of St. Augustine's history. The site is run by the St. Augustine Historical Society. Many different exhibits are held in the complex that displays the elements and parts of history that shaped St. Augustine into the city it is today. From the Surf Culture Museum to the gallery to the oldest house itself, walking the property brings to life the past in a special way. 

Oldest House Museum Complex Website: https://staughs.com/oldest-house-museum-complex/ 

Artifact 1

The gallery at the Oldest House Museum Complex contains numerous artifacts, maps, and photos of St. Augustine's history. The photo above is a part of a recent collection of glass photos that were found being thrown out. These valuables were taken and turned into a fascinating exhibit for the public to experience. The photos display the African American part of St. Augustine's history which is vital to the shaping of the city. This particular photo above is of St. Benedict the Moor Church. This church was built in 1911 and is located in the Lincolnville district. Recently undergoing renovations, this catholic church still serves the community today.   

Artifact 2

A recent addition to the Oldest House Museum Complex, the Surf Culture Museum is a fascinating part that exhibits the importance of the surf community in St. Augustine. The photo above is a collection of surfboards that have been collected from St. Augustine surf legends. In this exhibit, you can find the history behind the start of surf culture in town as well as the creation of surfboards, oral histories, mementos, and stories from surfer legends. Surfing is a big part of this town's history that built and shaped the community and that history is preserved in a fun and interactive way in the Surf Culture Museum.

Exterior 1

Exterior 2

In Conversation Image 1

The Fairbanks House in Dedham, Massachusetts was built sometime between 1637 and 1641 and is considered the oldest wood structure in North America. The house that is still standing is currently a museum but housed Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks when it was built in the 16th century. Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks along with their six children lived in this house and for the next 268 years after them, generations of the Fairbank family resided in the residence. This structure is a historic site that visitors from all around go to see. 

Photo Link: https://locationsoflore.com/2018/09/29/history-and-hauntings-at-the-fairbanks-house/ 

In Conversation Image 2

The Surf Station is a major part of St. Augustine's community. The Surf Culture Museum referenced a lot of Surf Station in the exhibit. This surf shop started out as a gas station until it was purchased in June of 1984. Troy Strange had big dreams for this shop and little did he know at the beginning how much of an impact it would make on the locals and visitors of St. Augustine. Until 1995 the Surf Station acted as both a gas station and a surf shop. When the gas station became a distraction, the Surf Station truly became its own brand and has since grown beyond Strange's dreams. Surf Station loves its community and the community loves the shop. St. Augustine would not be the same without this place.

Photo Link: https://www.visitstaugustine.com/thing-to-do/surf-station

In Conversation Literature

One Hundred Love Sonnets

Pablo Neruda 

"I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom but carries

the light of those flowers, hidden, within itself,

and thanks to your love the tight aroma that arose 

from the earth lives dimly in my body."

History is kept alive through our acts of preservation. Without taking care of the past, it will be forgotten. I found that Pablo Neruda connected the love of a plant to preserving history. "I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom but carries the light of those flowers, hidden, within itself" can relate to the way that we preserve the memory and legacy of passed people or the architecture of a building even though we did not personally meet that person or live through that time period of that building when it was in full use. The light of memories from the past is carried and kept alive for future generations to learn from and appreciate. 

Creative Component

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

St. Augustine, FL 

February 10, 2022

A part of America's Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, St. Photios chapel is a special institution located off of St. George street. Those of the faith, as well as interested tourists, are welcomed to experience the overwhelming peace that can be felt when walking through those doors. The museum exhibits contain fascinating artifacts and pieces of history. According to the information on the site's website, in 1768 the Greeks arrived in America and the displays inside the shrine illustrate the history behind the beginning of the Greek Orthodox community here in the United States. St. Photios is a piece of history from the meaningful story of the first Greek colony. 

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine Website: https://stphotios.org/about/ 

Artifact 1

The above pictures are photos of what pieces are traditionally used for Holy Communion. Communion represents the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples. These pieces are important and cherished to those of the Greek Orthodox faith. The card in the picture explains the uses and importance of each of the articles of Holy Communion.

Artifact 2

The Nicene Constantinopolitan Creed is what is pictured above. This is a prayer that is said by those dedicated to the Greek Orthodox religion. The creed is a statement of faith. The letters used to spell out the creed were created by Flagler College students. Lots of time and effort was put into creating this inspiring wall. Those who read it are touched by the words.

Exterior 1

Exterior 2

In Conversation Image 1

As a child, I lived in Washington D.C. and I remember visiting the National Mall quite often. One of my favorite parts was the Lincoln Memorial. The wall in St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine with the Nicene Constantinopolitan Creed reminded me of the walls of the Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial walls hold the words of the Gettysburg Address and many other influential words of wisdom. Just like the memorial, St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine displays words that are impactful in a special way. Both exhibits are presented in a special way so as visitors stand reading the walls, they are overcome by the importance and meaning of both the creed in St. Photios and the address in the Lincoln Memorial. 

Photo Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lincoln_Memorial_(north_wall_interior).jpg

In Conversation Image 2

Walking in the shrine gave a sense of peace and sacredness that respects the greek orthodox faith. The Wailing Wall in Jerusalem is sacred for those of the Orthodox Jewish faith. Just as St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is a holy place for those of the faith, the Wailing Wall is that place for Jews. The same spiritual feeling can be felt in both places. 

Photo Link: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/transgendered-woman-barred-from-jewish-western-wall-holy-site-in-jerusalem-9968023.html 

In Conversation Literature

One Hundred Love Sonnets 

Pablo Neruda 

"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,   
I love you directly without problems or pride"
 

Pablo Neruda puts the meaning of love in a very true way. I connected to this specific piece of Neruda's poem because his words reminded me of the love that believers have for God. There is no explanation for the love one has for God. It is hard to comprehend the amount of love someone can have for something/someone they have never seen or audibly heard before. It is hard not "knowing how, or when or from where" that kind of love comes from. Christians, Jews, and other religions have a lot of love for such an unknown thing. When believers go to God, they leave all problems and peace behind and trust fully in Him. Loving "directly without problems or pride" is another way to put the love for God into words. God's love is infinite and unexplainable and Pablo Neruda puts that unfathomable love into words. 

Creative Component