First Christian Church, Augusta, Georgia ~   Church Tour - Page Two   ~  [12]  [13] Keep in mind that the dedication service was held in this building on 2 January 1876. Step through the wrought iron gate in front of the church and climb the granite stone steps. [12] They are said to have been quarried from Georgia's own Stone Mountain. [13]  [14]  [15] Entering through the central double red doors you will find yourself in the front foyer or narthex where the guest book is located. [14] Be sure you sign your name and share some information about yourself. To the left, you will notice a set of stairs. Directly over the stairs is the large steeple built to house the church bell that would summon people to church as well as signal people of impending news. To the right of where you entered the narthex is the Good Shepherd Tree. [15] This is a memorial designed to remember and honor individuals through monetary restoration gifts.  [16] Now, take a look through the double doors in front of you. You will find yourself entering the sanctuary. You cannot miss the pipe organ directly ahead. [16]  [17] Notice the full-length stained-glass windows on either side of the sanctuary. The closest ones to you as you enter the sanctuary are of Flemish design. [17]         Click on the photo to see the main window page.          [18]  [19]         Click on the window to see it in more detail and a tribute to it. Click on the window to see it in more detail. The ornate window located on the left front or west wall is called the Good Shepherd Window and is of Tiffany style. [18] It was dedicated in 1906 to the Rev. Alonzo B. Phillips, a beloved minister who died suddenly in 1903 while serving as pastor of the congregation. Directly across from this window on the eastern wall is another very colorful and beautiful window called the Service Window [19]. It was dedicated to Mrs Tubman's nephew, Western Berkley Thomas, Jr. and depicts scenes from the parable of the sheep and goats, Matthew 25:31-46.  [20]  [21] Have a seat. If you are visiting with us on a Sunday morning, you will notice that the Lord's Table is set and draped. [20] We have open communion and celebrate the Lord's Supper every Sunday. The inscription on the table reads, "This do in remembrance of me." [21]  [22] The podium is in the front and center with the choir loft located directly behind. This area was changed in the early 1900s when the baptistery was removed to the fellowship hall to make room for the choir loft. The pipe organ was added in 1920. [22] Click on the memorial(23), to see Mrs. Emily's page.  [23]     [24]              On either side of the pulpit you will see a wall memorial. To the left is a white marble marker that was dedicated to Mrs Tubman. [23] To the right is one that was dedicated to Rev James S Lamar, another beloved and inspirational pastor of First Christian Church. [24]  [25]  [26] Click on the window to see it in more detail. Click on the window to see it in more detail. Facing the pulpit, you will see a set of double doors on the far left. Above these doors is another Flemish window but is shorter and wider than the rest. [25] These doors are not used today, but right across the room there is another set of doors that lead to the side entrance or courtyard entryway. Notice that directly over the doors is an alluring blue-shaded window that says, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." [26] This window was placed here in honor of Dr Don and Sue Manning and is a replica of a window that had been originally placed behind the pulpit before the area was restructured. The scripture is taken from Acts 2:38. Now, take a look over the back loft area. You will see the beautiful rose window, which glows brilliantly in the sunlight. [27]          [27] Click on the window to see it in more detail. Page Three