Cathedral Arts Presents

Spires in the Sun:
The Carpenter Gothic Episcopal Churches of Florida

Saturday, November 9 | 12:00-2:30 pm

Author Presentation with Q &A, Book Signing, and Cathedral Tour

“Spires in the Sun” writer Jonathan Rich and photographer Phil Eschbach offer the stories behind the oldest surviving wood-frame Episcopal churches in Florida. Constructed in the 1800s when Florida was the nation's raw southeastern frontier, these churches breathed the romantic sensibilities of England's stone parish churches into a new wood.

Half the profiled churches were built under the leadership of women, one of whom was abolitionist-novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe. Another was constructed to serve crowds arriving by train to attend the nationally celebrated Florida Chautauqua series. And one, raised by an African-American master carpenter, is now Florida's oldest Episcopal sanctuary historically led and attended by African Americans.

If you love history, architecture, or would like to hear stories of unique individuals who have shaped landmarks across our state, please join us!

All are invited!

Noon - 1:00 pm | Refreshments / Meet & Greet book signing
12:30 pm | Cathedral Tour
1:00 - 2:00 pm | Author talk and Q&A
2:00 - 2:30 pm | Meet & Greet and book signing
2:00 pm | Cathedral Tour

Jonathan Rich, a retired attorney who represented publicly held companies, major banks, and Florida’s principal economic development organization, is currently chairman of the board of a national trust company. He has also served in leadership positions for several non-profit organizations devoted to the arts, jobs training and the sport of rowing. A third generation Floridian, he has studied Florida human and natural history for decades. He lives in Winter Park, Florida with his wife Beth.

Phil Eschbach, a commercial photographer specializing in architecture and travel, has maintained a studio in Winter Park for many years. His photographs have appeared in national, regional and local publications. He has served on the board of a non-profit organization dedicated to architectural preservation in Central Florida and is a past president of the Winter Park Historical Association. A ninth generation Floridian, he lives in Winter Park with his wife Elizabeth.