Bath in Beaufort County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
St. Thomas Church
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 10, 2013
1. St. Thomas Church Marker
Erected 2012 by North Carolina Office of Archives and History. (Marker Number B-3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1734.
Location. 35° 28.453′ N, 76° 48.776′ W. Marker is in Bath, North Carolina, in Beaufort County. Marker is on Craven Street, 0.1 miles east of South Main Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bath NC 27808, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Garzia (a few steps from this marker); Alexander Stewart (within shouting distance of this marker); John F. Tompkins (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Post Road (about 600 feet away); Edward Teach (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Public Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); Palmer-Marsh House (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Lawson (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bath.
Regarding St. Thomas Church. St. Thomas Episcopal Church
this page online
St. Thomas was center of the community during the colonial period. Although Anglican priests often journeyed through the area, the town of Bath, incorporated in 1705, was not to receive a permanent place of worship until 1734, when the Reverend John Garzia oversaw construction of the new building. St. Thomas was a missionary church, supporting congregations in the region and operating a nearby school for Indians and slaves. After construction, the church also housed the first public library in the state, as Thomas Bray donated over one thousand books and pamphlets in 1701.
The church structure is similar to that of other Anglican churches of the period, based on English designs but with rustic features indicative of the colonial frontier. The basic single-room structure is housed within a rectangle of Flemish Bond bricks, probably fired in Edenton. The original hipped roof was replaced after storm winds destroyed much of the church in 1840. The interior consisted of pews elevated slightly above a stone-tiled floor, with a raised pulpit facing the pews. The church endured several stages of renovation
Photographed By Mike Stroud, April 19, 2013
2. St. Thomas Church Marker looking east on Craven Street
The building remains in use and houses an active congregation. The clergy retain a small collection of prized items assembled over the centuries, including a silver chalice and two silver candelabra, donated by King George II. With plans for additional restorative work and expansion on the horizon, the clergy and congregation of St. Thomas Church look to the future with a hallowed respect for the past. (North Carolina Office of Archives & History — Department of Cultural Resources)
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, August 10, 2013
3. St. Thomas Church & Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 430 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 12, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on August 12, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3. submitted on August 12, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
