Rejoice
After a three-year hiatus, the Christ Church Tour of Homes will return on March 18. For this 70th anniversary of the tour, for the first time ever, all of the homes featured are on Sea Island. There will also be a special focus on the church and its history. Docents in and around the church will present historic narratives highlighting many individuals who have made important contributions to the church and our community since 1736.
Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
An Island Tradition
The 70th anniversary Tour of Homes will concentrate its focus on Sea Island homes with transportation provided by bus to Sea Island from Christ Church, Frederica and shuttle service between the homes once on Sea Island. Patrons can get a generous glimpse of the interior and surrounding grounds of the six homes featured on the tour. 2023 Tour Chair Sharon Altenbach says, “Each home is different and affords the opportunity to see varying styles of architecture, interior design, custom renovation, and new construction techniques. There will be homes with ocean front grandeur, peaceful marsh front views, lakeside living and of course a location ‘on the drive.’” Click on the photos in this section for previews and descriptions of each of the homes featured on these stops.
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George Ingram
Tour Stop 1 - Internationally Inspired
This casually elegant oceanfront cottage was designed for entertaining with modern and classic architectural styles inspired by Mediterranean and European travels. Flanked by two 17th century carved lions, the entry loggia beckons your eye straight to the sea. Inside the home, arched-frame hallways give way to breathtaking views of the ocean and garden. Fleur-de-lis features are incorporated throughout the home as a symbol of the Trinity. Plaster walls, arches, reclaimed beams, pocket doors, mosaic tile, and a dynamic lighting control system that incorporates restored European chandeliers are among many unique design elements. The dining table in the salon was crafted using 100-year old wood from the family’s farm. Other highlights you won’t want to miss are the bespoke hand-painted powder room mural adjacent to the chef’s kitchen and the Tree of Life in the chapel. This room was inspired by visits to Israel, including Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. It was the Berkeley Blue Bar in Knightsbridge, London that influenced the décor of the game room. Ornate stairwells on each end of the home lead to five master bedrooms, each with en suite and a view of the beach. When you see the master closet in the owner’s suite, you’ll think you’re in a chic department store salon. The outdoor kitchen area is an entertainment hub with both gas and wood-fired grills, hanging swings, a heated and cooled pool with jacuzzi, outdoor powder room and shower. Open and covered balconies offer ideal options for enjoying the ocean breezes with morning coffee or evening cocktails. II Architect: Thomas Thaddeus Truett; Builder: Ramsey McHale; Interior Designer: LaWayne Johnsen; Muralist: Alvaro Ocampo; Landscape Architect: Alex Smith Garden and Design
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Tour Stop 2 - Be Our Guest
This three-story guest abode offers you a vista from the tops of tall palm trees to ocean waves and open skies! When you enter the main floor, a spacious downstairs guest room with en suite awaits. Its French doors lead onto a patio and private turf-grass putting green where you can perfect your game. A blue marble, penny-tiled, full bathroom is conveniently located adjacent to the mudroom with built-in storage and room to stow beach bags. Climb the open shaft, wrap-around staircase or step into the marble mosaic-enveloped elevator and be whisked up to the treetops on the second level. The entirely open floor spans a kitchen, large dining and sitting area with fireplace. A cool, light-as-air feeling is invoked with white walls, light oak flooring, sleek European cabinetry, counter height stone island, and wraparound walls of tall casement windows that let in the sea breeze and smell of ginger lilies beyond the copper roofline. The clever ICF construction of the home maximizes cooling and heating efficiency to enable green living. The architectural style is also unique, incorporating a stucco base with traditional-inspired board and batten siding to complement the primary residence. On the top level, a private balcony offers unobstructed ocean views beyond glass railings. A fireplace, heating system, and outdoor TV allow for year-round enjoyment. Dormer design elements define a cozy primary suite extending front to back with a stone fireplace. The luxurious primary bath and hidden laundry complete this well-appointed guesthouse. II Architect: Joshua G. Youngner; Builder: Brent Anderson / Calvin Collins - Black Ink Development
After touring the homes, patrons will return by bus to Christ Church where some very special activities will be taking place. But before we get to those, here’s a little information about the history of the tour and its purpose. Founded in 1954 by Gladys Fendig and Mrs. Ira Towson, the tour is presented by the Episcopal Church Women of Christ Church Frederica and funds raised are used for community outreach grants for local charitable organizations that primarily provide services and assistance benefiting women and children. These days the annual spring event depends on the generous participation of more than 300 church and community volunteers who generously donate their time and talents. Many of these individuals have been volunteering for years and involve the entire family. It’s a wonderous thing to see this type of community involvement and equally impressive watching this well-oiled machine at work on Tour Day to make sure all goes smoothly.
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Tour Stop 3 - Colonial Charm
Past the wrought iron gates, picket fence, and circular granite drive, a specimen live oak tree greets visitors to this Colonial-inspired estate. Built by architect Lamar Webb in 1987, architect Chad Goehring recently completed additions and a pool house with pavilion connected by a meandering pea gravel drive. These features along with the eclectic English country interiors and antiques that reflect the owner’s deep family ties to St. Simons Island give this charming property a sense of history. Family heirlooms and personal collections mix with English and Irish antiques in two formal sitting rooms, an office, and a welcoming sewing room in the main house, each with fireplace mantels exquisitely carved by a Southern artisan. An open formal dining room features a family portrait of Captain Raymond Demere, one of St. Simons Island’s first settlers in 1738. A country kitchen with custom cabinetry, a cozy sunroom, and vaulted screened porch offer exceptional sunset views. A sunny sitting room featuring Queen Anne-era stumpwork embroideries connects the north wing addition. The generous primary suite features a large bedroom with vaulted ceilings, fully accessible marble bath with zero-entry shower and freestanding tub, and walk-in closet with library ladder. Of special note are the chinoiserie mirrored Chippendale armoire and original Duncan Phyfe sofa. Across the double lot marshfront estate, a pool and entertaining pavilion lead to the guest house. A full kitchen with copper pots opens to a double height living area with soaring pecky cypress ceilings framing a central fireplace. Balconies above hint at the home gym completing this retreat. II Architects: Lamar Webb, Chad Goehring; Builder: Scott Ellis; Landscape Architecture: Rachel Strickland; Woodwork: Jules Marbaille
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Tour Stop 4 - Southern Oaks
A dream came true when this magnificent property became the possession of its owners a few years ago. Although the couple had been visiting Sea Island for many years and cottage owners for over a decade, they had always wanted a residence with a marsh view. Now, at Southern Oaks, they have their view and a gracious home that is perfect for family visits. A porte-cochere bids you a grand welcome too. Once inside, the expansive living room area beckons. Open to the second floor, it extends into a solarium that frames the infinite marsh view. Highlights include a painting by Mildred Huie over the sofa and a mixed media piece by Hans Schiebold, a celebrated East German artist who currently resides in Portland, Oregon. A den shaped like the bridge of a ship is a favorite gathering place for the owners’ five grown children and twelve grandchildren. For many years, this property was used as a corporate retreat, and the oversized refrigerator and dual dishwashers hint at the large-scale entertaining that was done. Take note of the greenhouse window, which visually extends the kitchen to the outside, and the golden maple inlay outlining the dining room floor. A floating curved staircase leads to a breezy gallery that is suspended over the main room. Two bedrooms on the mezzanine were combined to create a bunk room for the grandchildren. Outside, visit the balustraded balcony upstairs, the patio below, the deck, or the pool, and enjoy the expansive views of the marsh with Village Creek and St. Simons in the distance. II Original Architect: Lamar Webb; Architect for Remodeling: Harrison Design; Remodeling Contractor: Terry Hagin Construction; Designers: Val Cranford and Leslie Young of Cranford Design; Landscaping: Woods Landscaping; Home Management: Amy Lee; Spencer Ford of Anchor Estate Management
2023 Tour Co-Chair Gayle McAlister sums it up well: “The Tour of Homes is unique because it’s a major fundraiser for children’s and women’s charities in Glynn County while being an important community building event for St. Simons Island. So many volunteers with talents in numerous areas come together to showcase the best of the island via the Tour. It’s a great way for the charities to obtain funds to support their ministries and the people they serve. Of course, the homes being showcased are magnificent and definitely diverse; so there’s something for everyone. For 70 years, the Tour of Homes has been sponsored by Christ Church Frederica. Sharon and I hope everyone enjoy this year’s Tour and the fresh approach we’re taking to make it simply awesome!”
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Tour Stop 5 - Classic Chic
On the 31st street cul-de-sac, this stylish one level home with louvered shutters welcomes guests through a mahogany door into a tabby-floored, double-sided great room. Symmetrical vaulted pecky cypress plank ceilings are mirrored in the dining room and living areas on either side of an open wet bar and seating area facing the central fireplace. A second wet bar is wallpapered with this classic Sea Island home’s original blueprints prior to the current renovation and additions. Two pairs of sliding doors open to a screened-in terrace with tabby fireplace and outdoor kitchen. Vibrant colors that reflect the tropical blues, greens, and golds of the seaside tie together the various entertaining areas surrounding the deep oval pool and terrace with panoramic views of the tranquil pond beyond. Flanking one side of the pool, a chef’s kitchen and butler’s pantry are well-equipped for gourmet meal preparation or enjoying a cup of coffee in the windowed breakfast area. At the front of the house, a spacious guest room with en suite is accented with chinoiserie wallpaper. An east wing addition down a short flight of steps includes a comfortable sitting room and second kitchen with two additional ensuite bedrooms - creating a private sanctuary for guests. The west wing’s primary suite features a spacious remodeled marble bath, walk-in custom closet, home gym extension with mirrored wall floating above the lush, colorful, and varied landscaping of the lawn and pond beyond. II Architect: William Hooker; Renovations: Spencer Ford, Anchor Estate Management; Interior Design: Gina D’Amico Lever Interiors of the Home Fabric Studio; Landscape Architecture: Spencer Ford, Anchor Estate Management
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Tour Stop 6 - Coastal Manor
The English manor-influenced estate nestled in a corner lot on Sea Island Drive is the picture of contemporary, breezy coastal living. Blending traditional design with a modern aesthetic, a two-story foyer and hallway crafted with artisanal millwork lead to an expansive great room with steel windows overlooking the private backyard oasis. A stone fireplace anchors multiple seating areas open to the beautifully appointed warm gray chef’s kitchen with an oversized natural stone island ideal for gathering friends and family. A convenient scullery and laundry mudroom beyond facilitates easy entertaining and organized beachside living. Natural cypress beams add warmth and frame the all-white interiors, which act as a blank canvas to display the carefully selected art, furniture, organic fibers, and textures found throughout the home. A tranquil master suite wing features soaring ceilings accented by an iron canopied bed and a lovely garden view. A breakfast room, formal dining room, and office/music room complete the south side of the first floor. Upstairs, natural light filters past mature live oak trees through steel windows and gables into the four en suite bedrooms, with one featuring a sunny private terrace perfect for lounging above the secluded garden. A comfortable media room with sectional seating and surfing accents completes the second floor. The private walled garden offers all the amenities needed for year-round outdoor living: a vaulted screened-in porch with fireplace, covered terrace, pool with jacuzzi, and picturesque separate loggia open on four sides with pool bath. II Architect: Harrison Design; Builder: Terry Hagin Construction; Landscape Architecture: Sea Island Landscape
A Fresh Approach
This “fresh approach” that Gayle mentions includes the larger role that Sea Island will be playing in this year’s tour, with all stops being located there. Tour Chair Sharon Altenbach and Lewis Glenn, Vice President, Real Estate Brokerage for Sea Island Properties, have been in discussions about this joint venture for more than a year. Lewis says he was especially motivated by the opportunity to participate in Tour of Homes knowing the proceeds from the Tour primarily benefit women and children of our own community.
George Ingram
Ocean Forest to Host Luncheon
Wheeler Bryan, Sea Island Historian; Bess Thompson, Christ Church Liaison; Lewis Glenn, Vice President, Real Estate Brokerage for Sea Island Properties.
Not only did Lewis help arrange for Sea Island to provide all transportation needs to access Sea Island and the homes, but he also facilitated a luncheon at Ocean Forest Club with the Sea Island historian. This is a rare opportunity for those who aren’t Sea Island Members to enjoy the elegant setting of Ocean Forest. He says, “This will be the 70th year for the Tour and Sea Island Properties wanted to help take this year’s tour to another level!”
George Ingram
Ocean Forest
The special luncheon at Ocean Forest Club on Sea Island is included for specified Tour Benefactors levels, otherwise tickets are available for separate purchase. There are limited seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The luncheon includes a boxed lunch and features Sea Island historian Wheeler Bryan providing a lively and interesting presentation. His presentation will touch on the history of Sea Island real estate and its homes with many little-known facts and illuminating tidbits of information. You’ll want to be sure to take part in the Q&A session he holds after the talk. You’re bound to learn something you didn’t know before!
Hear the Stories
Back at Christ Church, there will be even more opportunities to learn about history and more. Did you know that each year, more than 20,000 visitors visit the Christ Church, Frederica campus?! Some come because they read about the church in Eugenia Price’s St. Simons trilogy, and they want to see it or learn more. Many visitors come to visit the cemetery, the final resting place not only of Eugenia herself, but for several individuals that inspired her books, and many other island luminaries. Still others come to “walk where the Wesleys walked.” In any case, the historic church is an island icon and holds many stories.
On Tour Day, docents will share some of these stories by presenting historical narratives from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in various places in and around the church and the parish hall. Multiple “learning stations” will be available for visitors to learn about the church and its history, so closely entwined with the European settlement of St. Simons Island. You’ll hear about the beginning of Anglican worship here in 1736 when General James Oglethorpe arrived with two newly ordained Church of England priests, brothers Charles and John Wesley. Details about how the church parish was formed in 1808 as a Protestant Episcopal Church on the heels of the Revolutionary War and the first church structure was built in 1820 will be shared. Learn more about Anson G.P. Dodge and his arrival on the island as a 19-year old in 1879, here to observe his family’s lumber mill, and how he became so moved by the little parish that he entered Seminary in New York in order to return to St. Simons Island to minister and build a new church with his own funds, replacing the 1820 structure. Hear the story of Anna Alexander, the first African American Episcopal Deaconess, who was born circa 1865 to parents formerly enslaved on the island.
Sweet Rewards
Honeybee
One interesting story that you may not have heard before that will be discussed on Tour Day is how Christ Church once was known as the "Beehive Church." One of our community’s own vast sources of knowledge, Susan Shipman, will be discussing beekeeping and honey production. The buzz is that she’ll even have some of these busy producers there to show off their handywork.
According to information provided by Susan, a letter to the Trustees of Georgia from a settler of the Town of Frederica mentioned “a great plenty of bees on the island.” When the original Christ Church building that was constructed in 1820 required some desperately needed repairs, it is reported that the congregants raised funds in a rather ingenious manner: by selling honey they harvested from a colony of honeybees found in the church’s belfry. Thus, the church earned the nickname the ”Beehive Church” and was known as such in the 1840s. The Women’s Missionary Society was known as the “Busy Bees.” Now, nearly three centuries later, we’re lucky that honeybees still thrive on the island in managed colonies. There will be some for sale at Christ Church on Tour Day. Remember that each pound of honey represents 20,000 bees flying 55,000 miles, visiting 2,000,000 flowers! Pick up some to take home and enjoy their work!
Beekeeper and honeycomb
Also for sale at the church on Tour Day will be copies of the Christ Church Frederica Cookbook, last published in 1992. In addition to money raised from Tour of Homes ticket sales, proceeds from the sales of these cookbooks are an additional source of funds used for the community enrichment grants provided by the Christ Church ECW.
In the spirit of celebrating the Beehive Church and this bit of sweetness from its history, we thought we’d share a recipe using honey from that cookbook. This traditional Bible verse inspired cake recipe was submitted by Tour of Homes founder Gladys Gowen Fendig (with her note that it was originally published in Chrismons and Christmas Cookery, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Panama City, Florida).
Scripture Cake
Ingredients:
3½ c. sifted all-purpose flour (I Kings 4:22)
1 Tbsp. baking powder (Galatians 5:9)
¼ tsp. salt (Leviticus 2:13)
1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. ground nutmeg
½ tsp. ground cloves
1tsp. ground allspice (I Kings 10:2)
1 c. (2 sticks) butter, softened (Judges 5:25)
2 c. firmly packed brown sugar (Jeremiah 6:20)
2 Tbsp. honey (Exodus 16:31)
6 eggs (Luke 11:12)
1 pkg. (8 oz.) pitted dates, chopped (Deuteronomy 34:3)
2 c. raisins (I Samuel 30:12)
1 c. walnuts, chopped (Solomon 6:11)
1 c. milk (Judges 5:25)
Preparation:
Grease and flour an angel cake tube pan. Preheat oven to 325. Sift flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice on wax paper. Beat the butter, sugar, honey, and eggs in a large bowl with an electric beater until they are light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle ¼ of the flour mixture over the fruits and nuts. Add remaining flour mixture alternately with the milk to the fluffy butter mixture, beating until smooth. Stir in fruits and nuts. Spoon into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool 20 minutes.
Spiritual Walk
A short walk across Frederica Road and along the wooded path toward the Wesley Garden will bring you to the newly constructed Christ Church Labyrinth. Here trained facilitators will be available on Tour Day to help you end your day’s discoveries with a spiritual walk. Nestled in the woods, the Christ Church, Frederica Labyrinth offers visitors a unique opportunity for respite, reflection, and rejuvenation.
Christ Church Labyrinth
Embraced by many faith traditions and cultures, a labyrinth is a walking meditation or prayer. A large circle with a single path that winds back and forth, moving alternatively toward and away from the center, labyrinths are a metaphor for life. Often thought to mirror the spirals found in nature, labyrinths of all kinds date back some 4,000 years. The Labyrinth at Christ Church is modeled on the eleven-path design at France’s Chartres Cathedral that was constructed between 1194 and 1220 C.E. Participants are encouraged to leave behind customary activities and preoccupations to cultivate a sense of expectancy, open to the possibility of a transforming spiritual encounter, and to emerge, taking what has been received out into the world.
There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. One cannot get lost on a labyrinth. Following the path to the center of the circle and retracing one’s steps comprise the main ritual, but the pace, breath, and intention vary with the individual. It is the rhythm of walking, placing one foot in front of the other, that quiets the mind, relaxes the body, and refreshes the spirit. The labyrinth’s intent is to invite each individual to experience God’s presence with his or her whole self—heart, mind, and body.
Southern Hospitality
Of course Tour Day would not be complete without the always spectacular demonstration of Southern hospitality by the women of the church in the Parish Hall. Here you’ll find a bountiful spread of lite bites, including everybody’s favorite pimento cheese sandwiches and other treats, often made with recipes from the Christ Church Cookbook. The volunteers who make these delightful delicacies and those who keep the tables replenished are some of the unsung heroes of the tour. Music from talented pianists will also fill the Parish Hall, making it a welcome break or conclusion to the tour. And to make absolutely certain that no patrons will go hungry, there will also be food trucks will be on site. Killer Roast Beef & Shrimp and the Porch Cluck Truck will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a full meal. The Tour of Homes is a full day experience designed to showcase stunning homes and maximize enjoyment for tour patrons, with the rewarding benefit of all proceeds going directly to charities in our community that support women and children.
Some of the community organizations and programs have supported include CASA Glynn, CIA Sports Club, Faithful Love, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Golden Isles Youth Orchestra, Grace House of Brunswick, Hope 312 Collective, Hospice of the Golden Isles, House of Hope, MorningStar Children & Family Services, Operation Bed Spread, SOAR, and STAR Foundation. Donations are the foundation of the church’s effort and they can always use additional support. Benefactor opportunities are available and more information can be found on the Tour of Homes electronic ticketing website christchurchtourofhomes2023.eventbee.com as detailed below.
Get Your Tickets!
We’ll wrap up with some important information you need to know about the Tour of Homes on March 18. Tour Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Homes will be open during these hours. Buses begin boarding at 9:00 a.m. Sea Island Club members may pick up the Tour Brochure at Tour Stop #1, mid-island, if not beginning the Tour at Christ Church. The stop will be identified by street signage. Homes on the tour have stairs and are not accessible by wheelchairs or strollers. Out of respect for our homeowners, no photography or videotaping inside the homes is allowed. High heeled shoes are not permitted, as they may damage wood floors. No food, beverage, smoking, large bags or backpacks are permitted inside the homes.
All tickets for the tour are being sold exclusively online via a new electronic ticketing website this year There are no physical tickets available in stores or at the church. The electronic ticketing site provides one stop shopping and allows the visitor to discover all of the events surrounding the tour. It also provides the ability to select individual customized tour options that will include the special luncheon at Ocean Forest Club hosted by Wheeler Bryan. All tickets sales are final and non-refundable. Tickets are transferrable. Everyone attending the Annual Tour of Homes MUST have a ticket with them to present before boarding a bus. This can be a computer printed ticket displaying the correct bar code that was printed after being ordered online, or a mobile ticket on your cell phone, displaying the bar code specific to your own ticket. Order confirmations or emails without a bar code cannot be used for admission. Only a printed ticket or a mobile ticket with a bar code will be accepted. To purchase tickets, visit christchurchtourofhomes2023.eventbee.com.
We hope to see you on Sea Island, March 18!
