Tomorrow (Saturday, May 18th, 2013), St. Stephen Episcopal Church in Richmond’s West End will host its third Flower Festival in recent years.
Members of the church’s Flower Guild, now in its second year, and others will have this beautiful stone church bedecked in a variety of floral designs. Following an old tradition of churches throughout England, all visitors are welcome to enter and enjoy this event, which will be open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. In England, such festivals serve as church fundraisers, and while St. Stephen’s will not charge admission, donations are welcome to help defray costs.
Take a glimpse at some of recent the floral works in the church.
The Flower Guild has been a resounding success since it was organized about a year and a half ago. Inspired by the instructive and picture-filled book,
Church Flowers by Judith Blacklock (available in The Gracious Posse Shoppe),
the Guild now has over 80 members.
Some of them happen to be talented floral designers and award-winning garden club members, but others have joined the ranks with no experience at all.
The more proficient guide the novices in making weekly arrangements for the main altar and two side chapels.
Members find joy in the opportunity to play with some of God’s most beautiful creations while sharing in in a bit of fellowship.
The Guild provides a unique opportunity to meet others in this congregation, which is among the largest Episcopal churches in the country.
If you are in RVA on Saturday, plan to stop by St. Stephen’s and take a look at all that will be adorning every ledge, sill, railing and platform of the sanctuary. Arrive before noon and take advantage of the church’s popular Farmer’s Market, as well.
Whether by flowers or food, I guarantee that one way or the other you will leave the grounds inspired.
May 17, 2013
p.s. After the Flower Festival and Farmers Market, why not head down to the official Grand Opening of Natty Beau? While we marked the store’s soft opening in Natty Beau: the New Guy’s Store in Town last month, our friends have a big party going on Saturday. It is bound to be a Southern Proper celebration of the first Heritage store.