St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Bath NC, 1734 Historic Photo

Frances Benjamin Johnstons photograph captures the historic St. Thomas Episcopal Church, located in Bath, Beaufort County, North Carolina. Built in 1734, this one-story brick structure features a gable roof and distinctive ground brick arches, making it an architectural gem. It holds the distinction of being the oldest church in the state, reflecting the early colonial history of North Carolina.

The photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which aimed to document significant architectural landmarks across the region. This survey highlights the cultural and historical importance of structures like St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The image contributes to a deeper understanding of early American religious architecture and community life.

Published in Thomas Tileston Watermans book, The Early Architecture of North Carolina, in 1941, the photograph serves as a valuable resource for historians and architecture enthusiasts alike. It showcases the enduring legacy of colonial architecture in North Carolina.