Going to the Chapel

Wedding Chapel, Ashley Ave., Charleston, S.C.

When I was selling my house downtown I checked out every property on my regular walking routes that was for sale. This little wedding chapel on Ashley Avenue was. I imagined moving in and turning it into a home. It had a relatively large parking lot so I pictured renting out parking spots to help pay for it all. Luckily it was already under contract or I might have done it. I even imagined living in the attic and renting out the bottom for weddings. Heheh.

Now I see someone is planning to use it for a home. Four or five homes in fact. The sign called it "The Chapel Estates" and advertises the property as condos. They are building them in my parking lot.

Rocks of ages

Ashley Ave., Charleston, S.C.

Where, I ask you, where did they get all of these stones in Charleston? Tabby maybe, but rocks? I don't know if there is any other stone wall like this in the lowcountry and I love it. It reminds me of Ireland.

Teeny tiny Barber Shop

Lee's Barber Shop, Ashley Ave., Charleston, S.C.

Awwww....it is so tiny and cute! Don't come early for your appointment. You might not fit in the door.

Just noticed the For Rent sign. I think I'll go to Barber School and set up shop. I'll have to change the name.

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - St. Luke's

St. Luke's Chapel, Ashley Ave., Charleston, S.C.

I took this picture fairly late in the evening and then noticed the bird on the cross. Check that out! I am sure someone here knows what kind of bird it is. Osprey? Not the clearest shot but here is a larger view.

St. Luke's is the Medical University of S.C. Chapel and as always when I post a picture and google around for info to include, I learn something myself:

St. Luke's Chapel: This popular non-denominational wedding location, located at the corner of Ashley Avenue and Bee Street, was originally part of a Federal arsenal built between 1825 and 1832 by the United States government. It was later obtained in 1879 by the Reverend Anthony Toomer Porter for the education of boys orphaned or left destitute by the Civil War. In 1883 Dr. Porter converted the artillery shed into a chapel. The building served Porter Academy students from 1883 to 1965.

The Medical College (now Medical University) of South Carolina took possession of the property at that time. The Chapel was rededicated on April 17, 1966, and renamed to honor the important biblical figure, St. Luke the Physician.

In September of 1989, Hurricane Hugo severely damaged the building, and most of its contents were destroyed or made useless. The rebuilding of the chapel began as soon as possible and it now meets modern standards of comfort and efficiency while retaining almost all of the building's historical appearance.