There is no way to tell the Spiritual condition of a person except for by their life. It is by our heart and true faith that we live and die. The story of Vincent Van Gogh is brilliant yet tragic.
The scripture says in 1 John 5:11-13 “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Only God knows if Van Gogh found the peace he needed.
Van Gogh self portrait.
His artwork lives on world-wide and now in Jacksonville, Florida in a magnificent display of color, movement and art. The “Beyond Van Gogh” project is a display of over 300 pieces of his work put together using basically a light show.
It is the first showing of any kind in the newly purchased First Baptist Church auditorium located on Beaver Street, which was sold in 2022. The company who bought it is using it as an “event center” and will be bringing in other programs such as King Tut and more. For now, it is hosting Van Gogh’s work and due to the success of its showing, it has been extended twice.
When you walk in, there is a bar where liquor can be purchased and a cashier who will take your money or scan your electronic ticket on your phone. ( God must be crying about his Church but that’s a story for another day).
They take walk-in’s however, encourage reservations. There were eight of us.
Go with friends. You’ll have fun.
Right away, there are at least 10 foot lit up panels telling of Van Gogh’s life which amounts to highs and lows of him trying to find success. His father was a protestant preacher and Van Gogh even thought he might follow in his father’s footsteps and preach but he did not find that to be successful for him.
Through many trials and even business dealings with this brother Theo, he came to the realisation that he was indeed an artist.
This show provides the proof. Only God knows of Van Gogh’s relationship with Him. I pray he found that.
This event seems a bit pricy but if you go with a great group of people or the one you love, you’ll find it worth the cost.
Go with the one that you love… You’ll love all the more.
Go Here-NoCo Center-712 N Hogan St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
The Old Jacksonville City Cemetery on east Union Street has iron corn cobs and the shuck itself as fence posts. In actuality, they had to have once been so beautiful and even today are unique by any measure.The tops of some look just like a piece of corn with the shuck peeled back; even now, a piece of art. The iron fence posts are in some cases sturdy while others are failing. There are full fences around areas, partial fencing about others and fencing that is completely dilapidated to point they have been roped off with orange taping.
The wording on a great many of the tombstones is unreadable. There are broken tombs and evidence of grave-robber thieves in their mischief. Who would dare disturb the dead I wondered as I walked through the yard?
In a few areas the piles of debris and old plastic flowers discarded in a mountain of trash and dirt appear weathered and old. Some say the city keeps the cemetery and that the police patrol it. There is little evidence of it being kept except for perhaps the cutting of grass. Cemeteries are supposed to visited and kept by the families, flowers laid upon graves on special occasions but it does not appear so here. There is hardly any evidence of tear drops being spilled.
Much of the cemetery hosts the bodies of some of Jacksonville’s oldest resident dating back to the mid 1800’s. I did not look at every grave today but just taking an overview found a variety of dates such as: 1811- 1879 1822-1871, 1825-1884, 1816-1878. The plaques at the front of the cemetery indicate City Cemetery was established in 1852. Pleasant Gold, author of History of Duval County says there were possible graves interred there before that date. It was designated an historic landmark of Jacksonville, as it should be. A new-looking sign at the entrance says “Old City Cemetery Restorations” to be completed Spring of 2023. Walking about there are areas cordoned off with yellow and orange taping. Restoration here is long overdue and being the cities oldest interment the sooner the better. While I’m not much for government intrusion, in this case, there is definitely a need.
Every soul is important and there are some notable names having been buried in the Old City Cemetery such as:
At least thirteen “Hart” interments including Daniel C. Hart, Elizabeth Streetman Hart, William Hart, William L. B. Hart, Solome H. Hart, Oscar Hart, Henry Hart and Carol Jean Hart.
Of note, the parents of Jacksonville’s founder, Isaiah Hart, William Hart and Elizabeth Streetman Hart which are listed in the Hart family Bible as having been buried here.
Also, Oscar Hart , the Jacksonville’s founder’s son was disavowed by his father Isaiah David Hart. Oscar was a mover and shaker in his own right. Maybe he was too much like his father? In 1835, he was a private in the Florida Militia climbing in rank to a Lieutenant. In 1846 he was Clerk of Court in Duval County, Married Virginia Crews with no known children. He became an attorney, Adjutant General, Commissioner of Deeds in Jackson County, a private Confederate soldier in 1863, Attorney at Law in Duval in 1870. He is mentioned in the Hart family Bible. Others buried here include…
Steamboat Captain Captain Jacob Brock (July 5, 1810- September 22, 1876).
Brigadier General of the Confederate States Army, Joseph Finnegan( November 17, 1814- October 29, 1885).
Edwin Martin-Editor of the Times Union newspaper.
Clara White, (July 4, 1845- July 21, 1920) A Black woman, together with her adopted daughter Eartha serving as humanitarians and philanthropists. In 1900, she was teaching and living at 804 Pippin Street in Jacksonville.
Eartha M. White, Born, Nov. 8, 1876- Eartha was adopted by Clara White and together they served the Black community. She died on Jan. 18, 1974.
Transcriber of the Christmas song, Silent Night, Holy Night from German to English and the second Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida.
The 15th Governor of Florida, Francis P. Fleming ( September 28, 1841- December 20, 1908).
Names such as the L’Engle, Bowden, Martin, and more have been buried in Old Jacksonville Cemetery. Louisa Burritt and her three children along with Judge John Locke Doggett and while there is no grave stone, it is believed Napolean B. Broward, a river pilot and 19th Governor of Florida may have a grave there. ( Pleasant Gold refers to this in History of Duval County, Florida). There are also 6 other “Broward” graves in the Old Cemetery.
“Infant Thomas”- ( September 22, 1923-September 22, 1923-) “Created and maintained by Billy Walker on Findagrave offers some info . There is no photo of the grave but a death certificate instead with the cause death being “stillborn”. Heartbreak yet the graveyard is unkept.
Over the years various groups have taken on projects there including reworking the covered deck area and adding names and plaques to different projects. “Find a Grave” has many listings by “Cousins by the Dozens” and other.
In 1854, it is believed that one year old Ally started the Scarlett Fever epidemic and is buried there.
Maybe an epidemic of restoration could occur in the spring as noted on the restoration sign. There is so much more…
For real. If you book a dinner at the now known “longest running dinner theatre in the Nation”, the Alhambra you can hear the work of the 1960’s singer, Patsy Cline. You’ll think you’ve seen her. For sure, you will have heard her famed music. You’ll find yourself singing along.
Alhambra Theatre since 1974
Gail Bliss stars as the famed singer in “A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline” from January 5 to February 5th. This is to be her “Farewell Tour” so don’t miss this opportunity. There are other shows up and coming as well, so give it a try. It will not disappoint.
So, yesterday and based on author, Tim Gilmore’s 2015 article about Jacksonville founder, Isaiah D. Hart’s “Tomb Tower”, my grandson and I set out to find where Hart was first buried before being moved to Evergreen Cemetery. Truly, it was a little scary as there were drifters and obviously noticeable people both White and Black, on some type of substance in the area. It was early in the morning and as many as 10 homeless were in and about the carcass of what is left of history where the old 1966 Heart of Jacksonville Motel once thrived. Some were sleeping beneath the walls of the old block building and others gathered in a small group talking. Some were literally “out of it” and others actually showed friendly to my 9 year old grand and myself. They saw us with cameras and for once I did not click when I saw them, out of respect I suppose.
Laura, State and Orange Streets
At the borders of “Laura Street between State and Orange Streets”, the place remains a morass of “social rot and desperation” as described by Gilmore on 9/26/2015. So, man’s life without God has not changed. It is a reminder, I told my grandson that “we all need a Savior to save us from ourselves. “
It’s hard to envision but it was there the 35 foot tall “Old Hart Monument” as described in the 1992 Jacksonville Historical Society journal once stood. By the photograph in the journal, it appears brick and was fenced.
Jacksonville Historical Society, 1992
After spending time on this old motel block near Confederate Park, we drove to Evergreen Cemetery where we saw the now approximate 12 x 30 x 60 inch flat tomb where Hart and his family were moved. It says “ The Family Tomb of Isaiah David Hart The Founder of Jacksonville”.
Speaking of life without God. Hart owned slaves and was constantly working in an effort to make money. It is said that he became “respectable” after founding Jacksonville. I hope that meant he found Christ because while there is still a tomb no matter its location, he’s not there. ( If you know what I mean).
See you tomorrow,
Sources: Jacksonville Historical Society Journal, Jaxpsychogeo.com, personal visit.
Indeed it was not but I could visualize just the same.
Found in the yard of Lachapelles off Bulls Bay Rd.
I felt as if I might have found a remnant of the old Isaiah David Hart Plantation which was called “Paradise” and located West of Bulls Bay in West Jacksonville, Florida in the 1800s. Of course, Hart himself would have more than likely been riding on a wooden buckboard, buggy or carriage. Hart established the town of Jacksonville, Florida along the River St. Johns in 1822. He is counted by many as the actual 7th resident in the city and his brother, Daniel being the 8th but Hart is most known for being responsible for platting the city and having the streets laid out for an actual town which was called Cowford .(There are some who say the 2nd resident but…). Cowford, as it was called, was at a narrow place in the river. Its renaming was later suggested by John Warren to be named after Andrew Jackson the first provisional governor. Hart grew the area and later had a thriving Plantation West of Jacksonville in near-now called Marietta.
Today, I witnessed tall and I mean huge pine trees, willowing moss hanging from the massive Oak trees, dirt roads and several tributaries seemingly flowing from the Cedar River. Birds of every kind, especially blue jays, were talking among themselves and flying all around. All of those were marked items describing Hart’s former, some 2,000 acre plantation. There was no obvious log cabin or out-buildings built in the mids 1800’s that were present in today’s visit to the Bulls Bay area, but there was a buggy that I could definitely envision Hart or maybe his son, Ossian, who also lived on this land and was the 10th Governor of Florida riding in. (I am quite sure that was not his either but I still could envision it).
Over the years, this rural area has been used for sand excavating, sewage disposal, solid waste, borrow pits, drainage, reservoirs, waste land, marsh, swamps, animal out-growth, and of late, a slew of trucking and auto businesses tucked often on dead-end streets along Bulls Bay, Commonwealth Avenue and Prichard Road. The majority of the land though is pristine and unbothered. There are acres and acres of tall timber and agricultural promise.
This seems to have been built in the 1920’s or later-
In 1999, the City of Jacksonville purchased 1,222 acres which is now called Bulls Bay Preserve. There are a lot of wetlands, and tributaries from the Trout River, Ortega River and Cedar Creek waterways.
Bridge/water way # 724283
The Baldwin- Rail Trail is on the edge of this area with opportunities to hike and ride mountain bikes in flat Florida. There is even a “small waterfall” which is highlighted on the JaxParks page.
Walking/Biking trail running East and West parallel to commonwealth.
You are encouraged to visit the area where Jacksonville ’s founder once lived.
See you tomorrow,
Sources:
JaxParks, Visit Jacksonville, Jacksonvilleblogger.com, Wagon- Guy Lachepelle
Go visit: 8017 Old Plank Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32220
Jean Ribault was a French naval officer serving under Admiral Gaspard de Coligny who attempted to colonize in Florida near the mouth of the St. Johns River at Fort Caroline.
Fort Caroline State Park
With some 150 colonists, he landed on Florida soil and claimed the land for France. As a Huguenot Protestant, his belief in God was strong. In 1565 he founded the Fort Caroline settlement on the St. Johns River , even placing a monument there.
Fort Matanzas State Park. St. Aug.
The Spanish who had their own claims to Florida at St. Augustine eventually scattered his group and captured Ribault. The name Matanzas is Spanish for “slaughters” named after the1565 slaughter of Jean Ribault and his group. Being Huguenot, they were as Protestant heretics.
The fort at Matanzas is small but accommodating. You can get their free on a boat ride set forth by the Florida State Parks system. The trip is about an hour long but you can stay longer and there are tables for picnicking.
St. Augustine, Florida is a most beautiful place to see anytime and many times over during the Christmas season. Today’s tree is from the stunning Flagler College located at 74 King Street, St. Augustine, Fl 32084. The campus is named for railroad builder and financier, Henry M. Flagler who built a Spanish Renaissance type hotel in 1888. Today, that old hotel is a liberal arts institution named Flagler College.
The college has its roots from 1968 to the present with the current President being the former Mayor of Jacksonville, John A. Delaney. The campus is 19 acres and is situated in the downtown St. Augustine area.
The tree is located in the Rotunda, just outside of the famous campus dining hall and Lewis Auditorium.
See you tomorrow,
Sources: Flagler College, Ramey [Idea about a tree a day came from the editor of the Daily Record, Karen Mathis].
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine has a simple Christmas tree with tags offering those with tender hearts to donate. While I was there, besides the tree was a large, brown bag of snacks and crackers apparently left by a parishioner for the less fortunate.
The Cathedral is a monumental building with tall ceilings, beautiful beams and incredible decor. The room was completely empty of people when I walked in. Before leaving, no more than 4 people came and went. It was open at 11:00 am and I was met at the St George Street entrance (side door) with a very sweet and friendly lady encouraging me to enjoy my time.
Martin Luther caused quite a stir in the Catholic Church in the 16th-century causing the Reformation with “Christ Alone”. He also is believed to be the first to add lights (by candle) to the Christmas tree. The Catholic Church resisted use of Christmas trees which was a Lutheran Church tradition. In 1982, the Catholic Church set up a Vatican Christmas tree for the first time in Vatican City.
Luther tree with lights
Fast forward, 2022 and the Cathedral Bascilia has a tree in the sanctuary.
Merry Christmas to All and to all a good night.
See you tomorrow,
Sources: Wikicommons (Luther photo), History . com, Ramey, [Idea about a tree a day came from the editor of the Daily Record, Karen Mathis].
St. Augustine Basilica Location: 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, Fl 32084. Go visit.12-6-22
The name of the castle was unusual to me. I have ridden past it for years and years on my way to and from St. Augustine, Florida. It was named after Otttis (yes, three t’s), one of the two builders; the other being named Rusty Ickes.
On their website it is clear that it was built “In remembrance of Jesus Christ” and built for the purpose of”beauty and as a landscape-sculpture”. So the builder himself indicated that the castle was built as an art piece such as the Eiffel Tower or The Washington Monument in Washington, DC not as a business or residence. The tour guide today said it was in the design of an Irish Abbey (Christian Church) and going inside it sure appears so. There are 88 open windows and the structure is taller than 50 feet. At the top it has a castle look with stones affixed. On this day, we met one of the two builders of this structure, Randy.
Our trip began with a friend setting up the visit “by appointment”. When driving in we were met by a man about 6 feet with a flowing beard and brown hair with a hat and sunglasses. Who knew it would be Randy Ickes a man who once had a vision for a castle and enacted on the task to actually follow through and build it.
The castle is located about 3 miles North of St. Augustine, Florida on 3rd Street St. just outside of the Nation’s Oldest City, St. Augustine. Construction began May 1, 1984. The masonry was completed in full by Ottis Sadler and Rusty Ickes and by 1998 the exterior was complete. In the span of 3 years, (1988-1991) Lee Carpenter completed the interior portion with primarily “cypress wood and some southern-pine”. There are 8”elaborate stair cases, an alter, pulpit, series of pews, choir loft and Bishop’s chair” wrote one person describing it. In 1992 it was recognized by the American Institute of Architects.
Sources: Atlasobscura, CastleOttis, Personal visit and observation…
If you choose to go, contact randy @ castleotttis.com
Fruit Cove Baptist Church is located south of downtown Jacksonville past Mandarin and the Julington Creek Bridge, just outside of Duval County. The church is located at 501 State Road 13 in St. John’s County.
The church began in 1978 “when a small group of Baptists began meeting in homes in the Fruit Cove area”. At that time, there was a two-lane highway. Today it is hustling and bustling with a four-lane highway, strip malls and several grocery stores.
The Christmas tree for 2022 is a faux fir tree with white snow painted on its branches. There are several trees in the lobby. We used this one for a photo op. Sometimes you’re not ready for the photo and no one got a better one so there’s that. The kids are cute tho….
See you tomorrow,
Sources: Photo-Katie Dingman, Visit: Fruit Cove Baptist, [Idea about a tree a day came from the editor of the Daily Record, Karen Mathis].
