A Trip to the Grave

A Class picture at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke 

 During an impressive visit to two of downtown Charleston's graveyards, I am captivated by the hidden beauty and mystery of a graveyard. Yes, I know it is a little weird, but I promise it is not as bad as it seem!

Edward Rutledge Lohndes' headstone
with a message saying " hear what the
voice from heaven declares to those who
die, released from all their earthly cares
they reign with him on high." 

This drew my attention right away when I saw how tall and pronounce it stands. It seems to have three steps to the headstone and it gives an effect of being higher then the rest. This headstone belongs to a Edward Rutledge Lohndes. He died on the 24th of March, 1853, and it is stated that he was 43 years of age and 3 months. Located at the Cathedral Church of St.Luke, it has a message stating " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

A headstone dedicated to the Reeves family

This Memorial was a little confusing upon first glance. It is dedicated the the Reeves family. The first name is Matthew Sully Reeves who was born in 1814, and died in the year of 1862. Then they mention an Ellen Jackson, who biological father was  a man named Edward Bounetheau (also mentioned on the tomb stone). Then the last name is Martha Bounetheau who was the wife of Matthew Reeves. Confusing I know, but it raises a lot of questions as to why Martha and her daughter did not gain the Reeves last name.

This obelisk column stand in an open area and also stands a good height off the ground. There are three cement slabs that layer up to hold the column up. Although the slabs seem to have some weather damage, the column still is beautiful. Although no names or dates are located on the column, it do have the words "Our father and mother."

Cradle grave of Eliza Simons.

The tall obelisk column is beautiful white
comparison to the dark background.

The cradle grave of Eliza Simons is mother to Dr. J, Hume Simons. It has the words "Our mother" is stretched across the top, although only Dr.Simon is mentioned on the stone. it states that Eliza was born May 20th, 1823 and died on March 1897.

Another item of interest, is this beautiful cross monument, There is a smaller cross on the printed on the cross with a crown around it. This can be symbolic to the everlasting life after death in Christianity. This grave site belongs to a Harriet and John Nowell.

Cross monument dedicated to Harriet and
John Nowell 

Just because something is small and simple does not mean it does not serve it's purpose in a big way! This small ledger stone is dedicated to Julia who was born on November 29, 1797 and died on April 27, 1842.

the crafted rose on the gravemaker.

This beautiful crafted symbol of a single rose surrounded by an arrange of leaves on a vine. There also seem to be a less , bigger rose on the side, this could symbolize an hidden beauty.

A sophisticated coral leaf arrangement with a ribbon signify a grand life liven. below are the words "Elizabeth B.Noble,"

This grand Mausoleum is surrounded by a black iron gate, With a Latin description across the top. On either side of the door stand two large upturned torches.This could mean a person's passion ended. Or an ambiguous person is buried here.

the elaborate reef. 

an elaborate craving of the "sleeping
beauty"

The grand Mausoleum with the Latin
words "OVI CHRISTO VIVI
PERIRE NESCIT."

Now this headstone had a grand carver. The detail of a young women laying down on a stone bed is remarkable. The design is very neat and dark areas really do make the women pop out. This is symbolic for the women who died is merely sleeping. 

the small ledger stone dedicated to Julia.With
the words "He giveth his beloved son."

Another creative headstone in the graveyard of St. Patrick Catholic Church. The stone has horns sticking out each top corner. On the top half, their is a picture of weeping willow trees, covering what looks to be a bull on a marble slate. This can symbolize an offering to God, like in the New Testament of the Bible.

The beautiful picture of the sacrificial bull.