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story by

 

Liesel Schmidt 

| photos provided by

 

Robert L. Curtis Photography

J

ust imagine it: A historic, charming 
old church with a white clapboard 
siding façade studded by handmade 
stained-glass windows nestled under 

the shade of ancient live oak trees. Such 
a calm, peaceful, and picturesque locale 
could be no more perfect for a wedding; 
and since its establishment in 1888, Point 
Washington United Methodist Church 
has been the site of countless nuptials as 
couples have come together before its altar 
to exchange vows of forever. 

The building itself is certainly one 

imbued with history, from its very 
floorboards to the peaks of its cathedral 
ceilings. And while it may have had 
several additions to its original structure, 
the church is still very much a clear 
picture of the past, quaint in comparison 
to so many contemporary structures that 
now hold worship for congregations all 
across the nation. For that reason alone, it 
claims the attention of many visitors each 
year who come to South Walton to spend 
time at the beach; but added to that is the 
interesting back story, as the grounds were 
originally owned by a former Confederate 
general who donated the land for use 
as a church, park, cemetery, and black 
cemetery.  

After more than a century, the church 

is still very much in use, with a faithful 
congregation deeply appreciative of its 
history even as it welcomes the future. But 
its respect for maintaining a sense of its 
past is what makes Point Washington such 
a favorite place for couples to wed—and 
the pictures offer clear proof of just what 

makes it such a special venue for The 
Day of All Days. 

Admittedly, its secluded locale at 

the end of County Road 395 might 
mean that the church doesn’t garner as 
much attention on the wedding scene 
as so many others in the area. But such 
a setting also plays in its favor, as the 
serenity of its location is one that can’t 
be found just anywhere. “It’s become 
a popular place for weddings because 
of the setting,” says Point Washington 
UMC administrative assistant Vicky 
Curtis. “The live oak trees, the great 
photo opportunities, a beautiful 
outdoor gazebo—it’s all so charming 
and quaint. It’s peaceful here, and we 
are always restoring it to preserve the 
beauty.”

A “well-kept secret,” the church is 

certainly something to treasure, as the 
magnificence of the handmade stained 
glass windows is something often 
no longer being incorporated into more 
modern structures—an art whose absence 
is noticeable by anyone accustomed to 
traditional church buildings. “They’re 
absolutely beautiful, and such a special 
part of our church. Really, I think they 
have a beauty that’s moving; and that 
touches you in a way that’s almost beyond 
words.”

Offering a welcoming scent of wood, 

the historic sanctuary is lined with many 
pews dedicated to the treasured memories 
of past members and flooded in the 
welcoming warmth of its congregants. 
“We’re a very openhearted church,” 

Curtis says. “We love having visitors and 
welcome the opportunity to show them 
Christ’s love.”

Such love is, without doubt, the very 

foundation of a good marriage. And for 
couples whose own journey is about to 
begin, Point Washington offers the perfect 
place to exchange vows of their love for 
one another and look toward a future full 
of promise.

Point Washington United Methodist 

Church is located at 1290 North Highway 
395, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459. 
For more information, call (850) 231-4928 
or visit www.pwumc.org.

Going to 

the Chapel

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12/27/17   8:53 AM