The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-01-24
A Pilgrimage to Old St. PefIllps

= Pilgrimage to Old St. Philips
One of the objects of the Society of
Colonial Danes is ito preserve and re-
store buildings connected with the ear
ly history of u country" and, at our
last meeting, a committee was ap-
pointed, or, elected, to attend to thi
work. One of the most interesting of
historic buildings in this vicinity are
the remains of ST. Phillips church,
and through the kindness of Mrs.
james Sprunt, one of it's members, this
committee was invited to visit these
ruins n dine at "Orton.' This invi-
tation was most gladly accepted, and,
on Friday, January Goth. a party of
six danes gathered on the Whining
ton, n after a quick run reached
Orion plantation. There a most
unique conveyance in the shape of an
open platform car, drawn by a mule,
took us over a tramway to the colonial
mansion, where Mrs. Murchison gave
us a most cordial greeting and well
come. The lower story of this house
being built of brick, and the upper
structure of wood, attracted our atten-
tlon, and on a question: being put by
one OF the danes as to the reason for
this, our hostess told us that this low
er story was the original mansion and
was built in 1923. The walls were
thick and built for protection Of its in
mates from the Indians and pirates.
Thoughts of h strength of character
OF those who not only hraved the dan
gers OF an unknown sea, but, also
brought the materials across thai dis
lance, to erect such substantial homes,
excited our wonder and admiration.
Entering the large parlor, filled with
all the attractive features Of a truly
living room, with it's wide open fire.
place of brightly burning logs, we dis
DonS60 with OIlr WrQnC and n0pI0rcn1
for a few moments, until the carriages
were ready, when we, in Bible par
lance, took up our carriages and
started for the ruins a mile away. The
day was charming with bright sun
shine to temper the cool breeze. The
road u through a forest of giant.
moss covered, oaks, cedars, holly and
pines, looking so stately and solemn, !
and speaking more of bygone days and
generations, than aught else. Suddenly
the ruins burst upon our view. Hast
lily %springing from our seats we eager !
~ started to enter the building, feeling /;
that our feet indeed trod upon conse-
Grated ground. F.:
This building is no doubt familiar 10
the Wilmington public, but, as it was
the writer's first visit, she may be par I.
doned if she describes we'll known /:
scenes. After turning a corner before
entering this artistic ruin, the archi-
tectural beauty displayed in the grand
window over the chancel seat, immedi-
ately rlveted our gaze. This window is
IN three sections, the middle opening
being most exquisite1y arched above,
those on either side being square.
There are three grand arched entrance
doors and eight arched side windows.
The walls are most wonderfully pre-
served, even the high peaks. which
partly supported the roof. The brick
tiled floor was gone and the building
Tall trees were growing where
once stood the seats of the mighty"
lays long gone, and where the altar
to the glory of God had stood
with its attending priest Offering the
incense or plOuS prayerS to the AL
Surrounded as they were with
lurking in the very air thew
breathed, Indians, with torch and TOM
ahawk even on the watch day and
to sweep these range from
ne SOIL, and, with none to defend save
heir Maker, their prayers must have
BURST from the heart with sincerity and
[ervor. especially those of our grand
Litany. The writer felt a longing TO
hear again the voice of PRAYER and
praise in this neglected house of God.
Inc walls appeared, at least, by eve
measurement, fully three feet thick.
as we walked around these bull
Tarks of Zion," We tried TO tell the
overs thereof, il other words. our won |
Ter grew at the beauty and
II these remain and the work of our
in this land.
The graves scattered around NEXT
named our reyerent attention. and.
is our time was limited. only 2 few
we're read n the inscriptions copied.
The beautiful carvings and designs of
excited our surprise and adm:-
alton. On one We read: Here rests
he remains of Hon. William Dey If
S. c. Collector ~
'ort Brunswick, memebr of the Coun-
until the Revolution died
April Sd, 11S1. aged 81 years" Ada
,ent TO this was the tomb of his wife.
Nary Dey, erected to her memory by
Ter anectionate daughter and son-in-
aw, Benjamine and Sarah Smith.
some others were read, as far as the
'tains now defacihg the slabs. many IF
Which were broken, or dislodged from
heir places. permitted. I'm the act of
Incorporation of the town of Bruins
wick, Richard Ounce, with Gov. Row
n, Chief Justice Hassel, and Jehu Da-
lis were appointed to raise funds to
complete the church of ST. Phillip. Tbs
'arish of ST. Phillip was established
40, the church begun 1851, finished
1913. This is the sister Parish and
hurch of ST. James, Wilmington.
we reSumed our seats in afhe
arriages and reluctantly and with