Columbia in Maury County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
St. John's Episcopal Church
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, October 14, 2011
1. St. John's Episcopal Church Marker
Erected in 1842 for worship and spiritual instruction of white and negro people. Built under supervision of the Rt. Rev. Leonidas Polk, Bishop of Louisiana, on land given by him and with labor and materials contributed by him and his brothers, R.K. Polk, G.W. Polk, L.J. Polk, and Dr. W.J. Polk. Delivered into care and custody of the Bishop of Tenn. As the property of the Diocese of Tenn.
Consecrated Sept. 4, 1842, by RT. Rev. James Hervey Otey, D.D, Bishop of Tenn., assisted by Bishop Polk.
Bishop Otey, whose remains rest in the church-yard, was born Jan. 27, 1800 at Liberty Va.; elected First Bishop of Tenn. June 1833; consecrated in Christ Church, Philadelphia, Jan. 14, 1834. Died April 23, 1863, in Memphis, Tenn.
At the Battle of Franklin in Nov. 1864, the following Confederate Generals were killed, and, among others were buried in St. John's church-yard by Chaplain Charles Todd Quintard, M.D., their bodies afterward being removed to their respective states:
Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne
Brig. Gen. H.B. Granberry
Brig. Gen. O.R. Stahl
Brig. Gen. S.R. Gist
Annual pilgrimages, held on the last Sunday in May with services led by Bishop of Tenn., were initiated in 1921.
Custody and upkeep of the property is in charge of St. John's Association, organized
this page online
This memorial erected in 1947 by
Diocese of Tennessee
St. John's Association
Tennessee Historical Commission
Erected 1947 by Diocese of Tennessee, St. John's Association, Tennessee Historical Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1897.
Location. 35° 34.432′ N, 87° 8.359′ W. Marker is in Columbia, Tennessee, in Maury County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Trotwood Avenue (Tennessee Route 243) and Polk Lane, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia TN 38401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Delaying Forrest (within shouting distance of this marker); St. John's (within shouting distance of this marker); Forrest and Capron (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rattle and Snap Plantation (approx. 1.1 miles away); Sam Watkins (approx. 1.7 miles away); Hood's Maneuver
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, October 14, 2011
2. St. John's Episcopal Church Marker
Details about the Civil War Generals once buried here. Their bodies were eventually reentered and returned to their home states.
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, October 14, 2011
3. St. John's Episcopal Church Marker
Marker is located on the right-front side of the church next to the entrance.
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, November 29, 2014
4. St. John's Episcopal Church
Front view
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, November 29, 2014
5. St. John's Episcopal Church Marker
The location behind the church, in the cemetery, where the following generals among others were buried (marked by the chain attached to columns): Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne, Brig. Gen. H.B. Granberry, Brig. Gen. O.R. Stahl,Brig. Gen. S.R. Gist. Some of the graves of those killed at Franklin remain today.
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, October 14, 2011
6. St. John's Episcopal Church Marker
Bishop Otey Grave
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, November 29, 2014
7. St. John's Episcopal Church Marker
Right-front side view
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, November 29, 2014
8. St. John's Episcopal Church Marker
Left-rear side view
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, October 14, 2011
9. Polk Graves
Many mentioned on the marker are buried in the Polk plot behind the church
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 571 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on July 23, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on July 21, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
