32 | VIPDestinMagazine.com
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
32-33 AdventureOut Point Washington UMC.indd 1
12/27/17 8:53 AM