One of the oldest churches in Southport, Chapel of the Cross, was in nearly continuous use until Easter Sunday 2004, when St. Philip's dedicated a new 350-seat church on property across the street. The new church has the traditional clapboard look on the exterior, a bell tower and carillon. Chapel of the Cross at St. Philip's is a beautiful clapboard church erected in 1843, through the efforts of Colonel Thomas Childs, then commander of Fort Johnston, one block east. It stands beside Southport City Hall. Within the chapel flies nearly every flag that has flown over the parish since 1741, including Spanish and British flags. The building exhibits Carpenter-style Greek Revival elements, particularly evident in the pediments and exterior wooden pilasters, as well as English Gothic details. Entry is made through the small, square tower; with its louvered belfry, simple exterior arcading and colored-glass lancet windows. The church's side windows of diamond-paned clear glass flood the sanctuary with light, illuminating the handsome tongue-and-groove woodwork on the walls and ceiling. It's a beautiful, quiet place that remains open 24 hours a day for meditation, prayer or rest as well as being available, from Saint Philip's office on Dry Street, for funerals, weddings, healing services and other religious forums. Guidelines are available for those interested in using the chapel for religious purposes.
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