This looks like it belongs in the middle of a city, but it’s actually quite rural. St John’s Episcopal Church is in Ashwood, Tennessee inside Maury County. It’s considered possibly the last of the plantation churches in Tennesssee. The Polk family were almost entirely responsible for the erecting of this beautiful church. Colonel William Polk donated the land and his son, Leonidas Polk, had the dream and plan to make it a reality. A large cherry tree that was located where the church now stands was used to create the balcony and altars. The bricks were made and fired on site. The structure was modeled after a church in Devon, England and the Chapel of the Cross in North Carolina. Construction began in 1839 and finished with a dedication in 1842. The Polk family was ecstatic to have a place for both their family and slaves to worship. They often did so together! The magnolia grove behind the church is a burial ground for the Polk family and their slaves as they were often buried side-by-side.
During the war, services were halted for obvious reasons. On one occasion, troops forced their way inside the church and vandalized it causing heavy damage. There was fighting on the church grounds in 1864 and for a period, it served as a temporary hospital. On his way to the battle of Franklin, Confederate Major General delcared this the most beautiful spot he had ever seen and asked to be buried here if he died in the battle. He was killed during the battle and was buried in the magnolia grove behind the church.
After the war, attendance waned for several years and church services ceased in 1915. They still have one service a year in rememberance. I would have to agree with the general, it is definitely one of the most beautiful spots I have ever seen!
