The following is a brief summary of the history of St. John in the Wilderness 
Episcopal church.  One of our list members asked for it and I thought others 
might benefit.  There is a book (hardcover, 134 pages) that can be purchased 
From the Church for $22.50.  Mailing address is PO Box 185, Flat Rock, NC 
28731.  It is a very lovely church and worth a trip to see.  There is a 
cemetery around the church.  I did not find a listing of those buried in the 
cemetery in the book but there is book at the Hendersonville Library that 
lists those who owned or own plots.  I purchased the book just because I love 
history and it is very descriptive of the area and customs.  Originally it 
was just St. John Church but it seems folks from Charleston referred to the 
mountain lands as "The Wilderness."  The church was originally the creation 
of Susan Baring wife of Chalres Baring.  He moved here to the mountains 
because she was suffering in the heat at the coast having previously lived in 
the cool climate of the British Isles.  Susan built a little private chapel 
on their property but it burned and was replaced with the brick structure.  
They started building their home in 1827 but the brick church was given to 
the Episcopal church by the Barings in 1836.  (I cannot do the story justice 
in this posting.)  Other affluent people from Charleston and Savannah moved 
to the area attracted by the pleasant weather.  The first Vestry (1836) 
included Charles Baring, Daniel Blake, Arthur Blake, Rawlins Lowndes, 
Adolphus Tudor, Thomas Lowndes, John Parker, Rutledge Parker and William 
Lowndes.  In 1841 Andrew Johnstone and Edmund Molyneux were added.  Other 
charter members included two Browns, two Edmonstons, Adolphus Tudor and 
Hester Wild. Others associated with the early days were Dr. Mitchell King, 
Elliotts, Mrs. Davis, Christopher G. Memminger, Frederick Rutledge, The 
Reverend Mr. CC. Pinckney, Singleton, Prioleau.  Izard Middleton, H. T. 
Farmer, E. L. Trenholm, Mitchell C. King, J. M. Bennett, Wm. M. Hazzard, L.P. 
King, Drayton, Henrietta A. Rhett, Wm. Aiken, WM. H. Wilkinson, Julia D. 
Hastie.  I have just taken these names from various parts of the book. There 
was also a Count Marie Joseph Gabirel ST. Xaveir deChosiseul who was from 
France and was appointed Consul to Charleston and SAvannah.  His son Charles 
surveyed the newly established town of Hedersonville, later moved to New 
Orleans and was Confederate Lieutenant Colonel in the 7th Regiment of the 
Louisiana Infantry.  He is buried in the church cemetery.  Hope some of this 
helps someone.  Many of the above names are found on the cemetery list but 
there are some others.  I will do look ups if you like but all I have is the 
last name of the plot owner.  If you enjoy history you would enjoy a visit to 
the church and cemetery.  Yesterday was my first visit and I live near by.  I 
plan to go again after reading the book.  sandy  

==== SCROOTS Mailing List ====