Tallahassee in Leon County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Christianity and the Apalachee

Mission San Luis de Apalachee

Photographed By Brandon D Cross

1. Christianity and the Apalachee Marker

Inscription. The introduction of Catholicism to the Apalachee at San Luis brought fundamental changes. From marriage to funeral practices, holidays to education, the church influenced nearly every aspect of daily life.

Throughout the day, the church bells tolled to mark many activities. Spaniards and Apalachee alike attended Saturday evening prayers, 11 a.m. Mass on Sundays, services on religious holidays, choir practices, baptisms, marriages, and funeral rites in the church.
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Baptisms began at the door of the church with the priest addressing questions to the child who was held by a godparent. The group then moved inside the church to the front where the priest completed the ceremony.

The base of the limestone baptismal font was found inside the church at San Luis. It is the only baptismal font ever located at a mission in Spanish Florida.

Erected by Florida Heritage.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Forts and Castles • Native Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1700.

Location. 30° 27.024′ N, 84° 19.218′ W. Marker is in Tallahassee, Florida, in Leon County. Marker

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can be reached from the intersection of W Testennessee Street and Mission Road. The Marker is located on the grounds of the Mission San Luis de Apalachee National Historic Landmark. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2100 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee FL 32304, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Cemetery at San Luis (here, next to this marker); The Friars’ Daily Life (within shouting distance of this marker); The Community Gathers at the Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); A Daring and Dangerous Game (within shouting distance of this marker); Apalachee Families (within shouting distance of this marker); Traditions in Transition (within shouting distance of this marker); Apalachee Home - Simple & Sturdy (within shouting distance of this marker); A Stronghold at the Top (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tallahassee.

Photographed By Brandon D Cross

2. Christianity and the Apalachee Marker

Mission San Luis Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon D Cross

3. Mission San Luis Church

Mission San Luis Church interior image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 11, 2024

4. Mission San Luis Church interior

Limestone baptismal font inside the church at San Luis image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon D Cross

5. Limestone baptismal font inside the church at San Luis

Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 53 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 15, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.