God bless the corners of this house
And be the lintel blessed.
Bless the hearth, the table too
And bless each place of rest.
Bless each door that opens wide
To stranger, kith and kin;
Bless each shining window-pane
That lets the sunshine in.
Bless the roof-tree up above
Bless every solid wall.
The peace of Man, the peace of love,
The peace of God on all.
~Traditional Irish House Blessing
There’s a difference between a house and a home. A house is merely a building, but a home is so much more than that. It’s where you live. The annual Tour of Homes presented by the Episcopal Church Women of Christ Church Frederica is in its 67th year of opening beautiful private homes to visitors from far and wide so they can see how the homeowners have transformed their houses into homes that suit their families and lifestyles. The special touches and customization in design, the art, the furnishings, and all the elements that reflect each home’s personality vary from stop to stop, ranging from cottage quaint to spacious grandeur, and are always so interesting and inspiring. Along with 2020 Tour chairwomen Susie Henning and Tami Black, more than 300 volunteers and community members serving as docents in the homes, ticket sellers and stampers, bus drivers, car parkers, and everything in between, make the Tour a signature event of the Golden Isles and a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring.
This year’s Tour takes place on Saturday, March 21 and includes two homes on St. Simons Island at East Beach and four homes on Sea Island that visitors will access via bus transportation from a parking area at Gascoigne Bluff. Interspersed with the homes on the Tour are historic stops. Christ Church Frederica and Parish House serve as Tour headquarters. There you will find light refreshments made from recipes from the Christ Church Cookbook, which will also be available in copies for purchase as well as other Tour of Homes souvenirs. All cookbook and souvenir proceeds and ticket sales from the Tour are donated to local charities that primarily benefit women and children. Last year, through the community’s support of the Tour and cookbook sales, the ECW was able to donate $70,000 to 31 charities. Guests are invited to tour the church, its grounds and cemetery, and to visit the Wesley Memorial Garden across the street, where you can see the Celtic cross and the hundreds of gorgeous azaleas that surround it, which, hopefully, will be in full bloom..
Joe Loehle Photography
Wesley Memorial Garden
Tour Day begins at 10:00 a.m. and your schedule for visiting the stops will be guided by the wristband you’re issued for bus transportation. The St. Simons Island stops are all open until 5:00 p.m. and are accessible by car. New to the Tour this year is the addition of the World War II Home Front Museum. Admission is free with your Tour ticket. If you have not visited this wonderful museum that highlights the important role that Coastal Georgia played during World War II yet, we recommend you allot a bit more time to spend here because there are interactive exhibits and an extensive collection of recorded accounts from veterans and island residents.Visitors can try their hand at plane spotting, directing fighter pilot squadrons using radar technology, and building and tracking the voyages of a Liberty Ship. Learn about historic events and hear dramatic accounts of wartime acts from soldiers and civilians who lived through it.
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Johnson Pictures Inc.
World War II Home Front Museum St Simons Island
World War II Home Front Museum at the Historic Coast Guard Station, East Beach, St. Simons Island, GA.
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World War II Home Front Museum Liberty Ship Gallery
World War II Home Front Museum at the Historic Coast Guard Station, East Beach, St. Simons Island, GA.
From the World War II Home Front Museum, you are within walking distance to the East Beach homes designated as Tour Stops #2 and #3 The former is a stylish cottage called “Half House,” described as “Low Country meets Country French” with a Riviera-style oasis in the back of the home. The latter is a grand structure in the Sea Island Mediterranean style of Addison Mizner. Balconies, fireplaces, a conservatory, artwork by the owner, and an incredible view are just some of the highlights here.
The other historical Tour Stop of note on St. Simons Island is St. Ignatius Church at 2906 Demere Road. First established for former slaves in 1886 and rebuilt in 1898 following a hurricane, the church attracts visitors to see its beautiful stained glass windows and the hand carved alter rail, lectern, and other woodwork within. Also of note is the bell which came from a World War II Liberty ship.
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On Sea Island, you’ll find Tour Stops 5-8 to be a wide range of splendid architecture and interior design with details ranging from British cottage to Chinese Chippendale. Take note of the incredible artwork displayed, rich fabrics and embroidery, and other decorative flair that set each home apart. You’ll see wonderful entertainment spaces and whimsical appeal, lush gardens and inviting poolside escapes. There is no lack of “wow factor” in any of these Sea Island homes, so stroll leisurely and take it all in.
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Tour Day will be here before we know it, so make sure to get your tickets at the church, one of our local retailers (Cloister Collection, Evelyne Talman, H&H Lifestyles, Jekyll Realty, Maggie’s Boutique, Ned Cash Jewelers, Restoration Imports, Roberta’s, St. Simons Drug Co., Southern Finds, Tabby House, Two Friends, Viola’s Market) or online at christchurchtourofhomes.org. Additional information about the Tour Stops, transportation, etc. is also available on the website.
**UPDATE - 2020 TOUR OF HOMES HAS BEEN CANCELLED**
STATEMENT FROM THE TOUR CHAIR:
We regret to inform you that our March 21,2020, Christ Church Tour of Homes is canceled.
This action was taken to help safeguard the health and well being of our ticket holders, volunteers, and homeowners. We elected to follow the lead other large events are taking in our region due to the coronavirus.
All proceeds from the Tour go directly to area charities primarily benefiting women and children. Cancellation will impact many programs that depend on our event. We hope you will consider donating all or part of your ticket purchase.
To receive a full or partial refund or to donate please visit christchurchtourofhomes.org
We look forward to seeing you March 20, 2021, for the 68th Tour of Homes,
Susie Henning
2020 TOH Chair
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