St. Agatha's Episcopal Church Preservation Fund

### Context Profile for St. Agatha's Episcopal Church Preservation Fund

1. **Organization Mission & Cause:**
   - **Mission:** The St. Agatha's Episcopal Church Preservation Fund is dedicated to preserving the historic structures of St. Agatha's Episcopal Church, which dates back to the late 1880s. The church aims to maintain a unique historical and inclusive environment for sacramental worship while developing community outreach and personal growth programs. It is a significant part of the DeFuniak Springs Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
   - **Cause:** The organization focuses on the preservation of its three historic properties, ensuring they remain a resource for the community and a testament to the area's rich history.

2. **Type of Activities:**
   - **Events:** The organization hosts various events, including the annual "Christmas Tour of Homes," which showcases historic homes, churches, and businesses in DeFuniak Springs. The event features activities such as book signings, musical performances, and storytelling.
   - **Fundraising Campaigns:** Proceeds from events like the Christmas Tour directly benefit the preservation efforts of St. Agatha's Episcopal Church.
   - **Community Programs:** The church engages in community outreach and personal growth initiatives, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.

3. **Tone of Voice:**
   - The tone of the organization's communications is **friendly**, **inviting**, and **informative**. The language used is accessible and warm, aiming to create a sense of community and encourage participation in events. There is an underlying sense of **urgency** and **enthusiasm** for preserving the church's history and engaging the community.

4. **Emoji Usage:**
   - The organization does not appear to use emojis in its communications, maintaining a more traditional and formal approach to its messaging.

5. **Key Facts:**
   - **Founding Info:** St. Agatha's Episcopal Church was founded in 1890.
   - **Scale:** The organization has conducted 3 forms and 11 email campaigns, indicating active engagement with its community.
   - **Impact Metrics:** The Christmas Tour of Homes has seen record-breaking attendance, highlighting the community's support and interest in preservation efforts.
   - **Volunteer Info:** Specific volunteer information is not detailed, but community engagement is encouraged through events and programs.

6. **Writing Guidelines:**
   - **Style:** Use a friendly and inviting tone, focusing on community and historical significance.
   - **Structure:** Keep sentences clear and concise, using headings and bullet points for easy readability.
   - **Personalization:** Incorporate personalized greetings in communications, such as using the recipient's first name.
   - **Call to Action:** Encourage participation in events and support for preservation efforts, making it clear how contributions will make a difference.
   - **Content Focus:** Highlight the historical significance of the church and its role in the community, emphasizing the importance of preservation and engagement.

This context profile provides a comprehensive understanding of St. Agatha's Episcopal Church Preservation Fund, allowing for the creation of tailored and effective communications that resonate with their audience.

Tickets are considered a donation to St. Agatha's Preservation Fund and are nonrefundable. The event will take place rain or shine. Due to people opening their homes for the event we are unable to reschedule. Exchange your digital ticket for a memorable ticket lanyard that must be worn for entry into all homes.

General admission Christmas Tour of Homes

Book

Hi <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip " fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;display:inline-block;margin:0px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">First name , Thank you for registering for our event and supporting St. Agatha's efforts to maintain and preserve it's three historic buildings. Your donation greatly helps our effort! 🚀 If you would like to contribute further, contact us to become a volunteer, or talk to your friends about our cause! Renee Carnleyreneecarnley@gmail.com

'TIS THE SEASON   Step into the holiday spirit and celebrate the season with the annual Christmas Tour of Homes in historic DeFuniak Springs on Saturday, December 7. Filled with holiday joy, the tour runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features 20 beautiful homes, churches, and businesses.  The tour kicks off a day-long series of festivities around beautiful Lake DeFuniak and its charming and vibrant downtown business district—a Main Street America community member with numerous shopping and dining opportunities. Throughout the day, at several tour locations, there will be book signings from regional authors, costumed carolers, musical performances and church history at St. Agatha’s, storytelling about Northwest Florida Pioneers, and more! Homes on tour are rich in history and represent various types of architecture and personalities. They are selected for a variety of reasons including unique architecture or history, outstanding Christmas decorations, interesting owners and/or furnishings, or unique collections! <hr />SPECIAL EVENTS AT TOUR LOCATIONS Deborah Rine, best-selling Emerald Coast murder mystery author, will sign her books at the Parish House in the morning, and all proceeds from purchased books will benefit St. Agatha’s. Best known for his young adult novels, "Cracker's Mule" and "Little Brother Real Snake," Billy Moore will also be at St. Agatha’s in the afternoon to meet visitors and sign copies of his books. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1732659606/diipsqepiglujuxc8sox.png" style="width:89px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" /> Award winning author F. Diane Pickett, the home’s current owner, will also be signing her latest novel, The Tea Wasn’t Always Sweet: A Southern Saga Through a World of Not-So-Gentle-Men. Books can be purchased in advance at the DeFuniak Springs Visitor’s Center or online at Amazon. Costumed Carolers from the University of West Florida Historic Trust will perform on the porch of this home, back by popular demand.  <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1729037330/ug9igkilanhxv1dic9jg.jpg" style="width:92px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" /> The Charles E. Murray House circa 1887, which is currently undergoing an extensive renovation, will host a 30-minute “History Mysteries” presentation by Mendy Henderson involving two Florida pioneers, Mr. Murray and J.D. Wolfe, the first leaseholder of the lot who was a notorious news editor of The Pensacolan. The home also boasts an 1882 seven-foot Steinway grand piano! Grit and Grace Carolers will perform for tour guests at this little magical home with rich history. Believed to be the first house in the community with central heat and air, this home has a lovely mother-in-law house associated with former DeFuniak Springs resident Jackie Cochran who became a famous aviatrix. Ironically, the current lady of the home, Nancy Hasty, wrote and performed “The Flight of Jackie Cochran,” a one-woman show directed by her husband. The author and performer are credited with many off-Broadway shows, U.S. tours, international productions, and a soon-to-be movie. Bring your mementos for her autograph. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1729459706/qyhiuasnaqdhxuhwgqh8.png" style="width:125px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" /> Mendy Henderson with St. Agatha’s Church will share stories, “Between the Lines,” of its three historic properties that are are all on the tour. St. Agatha's organist Lona Robinson, with sopranist and flautist Uma Jolly, will perform at 2 p.m. and again at 4 p.m. The only pure pipe organ in the city, St. Agatha’s mahogany pipe organ, was hand-made and patterned after the Haydn organ in England.  <hr />TOUR DAY CHECK IN  The self-guided tour begins at the DeFuniak Springs Visitor’s Center where visitors will be given a Tour Map with information on each property and the festivities around town during the day. Attendees will need to check in at the Visitor's Center and exchange your digital receipt for a lanyard ticket (required for entry). Call 850-830-7663 for more information. Nonrefundable tickets of $25 are a donation to St. Agatha's Preservation Fund. Homes will be open this date only. *The tour will be held rain or shine.DeFuniak Springs Visitor's Center 1162 Circle Drive DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 DAY OF TICKETS We recommend (and appreciate) that tickets be purchased in advance of the event. Tickets will be available the day of the Tour and can be purchased at the Visitor's Center beginning at 9:30 a.m. <hr />FESTIVITIES AFTER TOUR After the Tour, spend the day enjoying festivities in DeFuniak's historic district:<ul><li>3 - 8 pm — Merry Main Street Mistletoe Market</li><li>5 pm — Christmas Reflections (a holiday tradition of over 10 million lights displayed around Lake DeFuniak)<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1732643086/xmeqgy23768umrqacgjw.png" style="box-sizing:inherit;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;font-style:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0.25px;orphans:2;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;width:392px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;max-width:100%" /></li><li>Walton-DeFuniak Library <ul><li>The oldest operating library in the state of Florida dating back to 1887</li></ul></li><li>9 am - 9 pm — Historic Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood, 96 Circle Drive<ul><li>Presented by Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood Foundation</li></ul></li><li>10 am - 4 pm — Walton County Heritage Museum, 1140 Circle Drive<ul><li>Hosted by the Walton County Heritage Association</li><li>Located in the former L&amp;iN Railroad Depot</li></ul></li></ul>*Antique and classic cars will also be on display around our historic district. Come visit with the owners and hear their restoration stories! CHAUTAUQUA VINEYARD &amp; WINERYThe Chautauqua Vineyards &amp; Winery is another local attraction that any visitor to DeFuniak Springs must visit, located near the interstate. Open 9 am to 5 pm. 364 Hugh Adams Rd, Defuniak Springs, FL 32435<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1732643200/yiu44bwxbkask2a3vpzu.png" style="width:286px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" /> SUNBRIGHT MANORWith its three stories, sweeping verandas and iconic, octagonal turret, Sunbright Manor is one of the most emblematic buildings in Walton County. This completely renovated 1886 Queen Anne Victorian is on this year's tour. You'll be able to see the incredible workmanship inside and out.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1729460017/v6v4hrtkxlqfbndpwt1k.png" style="width:213px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" /> HISTORIC HOTEL DEFUNIAK / CAFE NOLA  See inside the Historic Hotel DeFuniak built in 1920 as a Masonic Lodge. It has been featured on several ghost hunt shows. This charming and stately structure is sure to be a treat to see. And while there, enjoy New Orleans Styled cuisine with a 1920's theme at Cafe Nola. On the same date starting at 7 pm, Cafe Nola is hosting a Frank Sinatra Tribute Show called Christmas with Frank.                                                                                                        <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1729460517/xewdelr6dnuvbiqlafr5.png" style="width:396px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" /> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1730071753/gb2gcrcjdmarix9pyhgs.jpg" style="width:264px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" /> *Costs associated with additional activities are not included in the price of the Tour ticket.<hr /> BENEFITTING ST. AGATHA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH  {Preservation Fund} Proceeds from the Christmas Tour of Homes benefits St. Agatha’s Episcopal Church’s preservation efforts of its three historic structures dating back to the late 1880s. St. Agatha's Episcopal Church is a historic Carpenter Gothic church located at 144 Circle Drive in DeFuniak Springs, FL. It is a contributing in the DeFuniak Springs Historic District. Founded in 1890, its mission is to preserve the unique historical and inclusive environment for sacramental worship and develop and maintain community outreach programs and personal growth programs. The Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains a hand-made pipe organ patterned after a Haydn organ in England. It is the only church remaining from the Chautauqua era (1885-1937).QUESTIONS / INFORMATION For more information on the event, call (850) 830-7663. <hr /> SPONSORS We are very thankful for the support of our sponsors!  <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1732664010/agirilhc6p70ls7ve8jr.png" style="width:704px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;max-width:100%" />

St. Agatha's Episcopal Church Preservation Fund

2024 Christmas Tour of Homes

1162 Circle Dr

General admission Christmas Tour of Homes

$25

Book

$10

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