The 1895 Church of StuArt

06/05/2026

"Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name..." Some paintings are viewed. Others are heard.

Standing before The Lord’s Prayer, one can almost hear the music rising from the canvas. The warm glow of candlelight, the rich brass of the trumpet, the polished wood of the violin, and the evergreen branches come together in a visual hymn, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and listen with both their eyes and their hearts.

Janis Clary “O” masterfully captures not only the objects themselves, but their textures and personalities. The violin’s varnished curves seem to vibrate with music waiting to be played. The trumpet reflects soft light across its gleaming brass surface. The candle burns quietly, illuminating the musical score of The Lord’s Prayer and casting a gentle glow across the composition.

A closer look reveals extraordinary attention to detail. The musical notation is carefully rendered, while layers of oil paint create depth and softness in the background. The evergreen branches add texture and symbolism, traditionally representing eternal life and enduring faith. Together, the elements create a composition that feels both sacred and intimate.

Displayed within the historic Pioneer Church, the painting feels perfectly at home. Surrounded by more than a century of history, The Lord’s Prayer seems to sing from the walls—its music carried not by instruments, but through color, light, texture, and memory.

The musical score depicted in Janis Clary 'O's painting is Albert Hay Malotte's beloved setting of The Lord's Prayer, a composition that has inspired generations with its message of faith, hope, humility, and devotion.

Malotte dedicated his musical setting of The Lord's Prayer to renowned baritone John Charles Thomas, and the composition became one of the most recognized sacred solos of the 20th century.

🎻🕯️Oil on canvas 'The Lord’s Prayer' by Janis Clary "O" Fine Art at The 1895 Church of StuArt

We are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm.
We are looking forward to seeing you,
Olga Hamilton and Robert W Hamilton Jr.

06/01/2026

As you step inside the historic Pioneer Church, you are quietly greeted by three ancient symbols of the Christian faith perched above the doorway — the Eagle, the Winged Ox, and the Winged Lion. These remarkable antique hand-carved figures are believed to represent three members of the Tetramorph, the four symbolic creatures associated with the Four Evangelists and described in the visions of the prophets Ezekiel and John in the Book of Revelation. The term is derived from the Greek tetra, meaning four, and morph, shape.
The Eagle symbolizes St. John, whose Gospel soars to heavenly heights and emphasizes the divinity of Christ. The Winged Ox represents St. Luke, symbolizing sacrifice, service, and compassion. The Winged Lion stands for St. Mark, embodying courage, strength, and the royal majesty of Christ.
Traditionally, a fourth figure completes the Tetramorph: the Winged Man or Angel, symbolizing St. Matthew, whose Gospel begins with the human genealogy of Jesus and emphasizes His humanity. While our collection contains only three of the four carvings, we like to think that St. Matthew is still present among them — present by spirit — completing the story and quietly watching over all who enter.
These beautiful carvings, likely once part of a larger church furnishing, have found a new home within Stuart's Pioneer Church. For more than a century, this building has welcomed worshippers, pioneers, travelers, artists, historians, and curious visitors. Today, the Eagle, Ox, and Lion continue that tradition, offering a silent reminder of faith, wisdom, sacrifice, and courage to all who pass beneath them.
Come visit us and see what other stories the old church still has to tell. ✨⛪🦅🦁🐂👼

✨ Together, these four voices offer a timeless message:
Hope (John 14:1)
Love and Mercy ( Luke 6:36)
Courage (Mark 10:27)
Justice and Righteousness (Matthew 5:6)

In many church furnishings, all four symbols were arranged around: a central cross, Christ figure, Gospel book, pulpit panel, lectern, or altar structure.

aroundandabout.us

Olga Hamilton and Robert W Hamilton Jr.

06/01/2026

What a sweet Sunday it was at The 1895 Church of StuArt! The weather was kind to us and spared us from the rain, allowing everyone to enjoy another wonderful afternoon filled with good company, laughter, and plenty of homemade treats.
Our table looked more like a dessert buffet than a potluck! We enjoyed delicious homemade chocolate chip crumb cake, brownies, chocolate bark with pistachios and apples, fresh watermelon, and other sweet temptations that quickly disappeared. 😋
And our thank you to Gail Goldy, who treated us to a fancy caramel flan.
Of course, as always, the best part was the conversations and friendships that make our Sunday Get-Togethers so special. We are truly grateful for everyone who brings a dish, a story, a smile, and a kind heart to share.
Thank you all for making another Sunday at Stuart's Pioneer Church memorable. We look forward to seeing everyone again next week! 💝

Olga Hamilton and Robert W Hamilton Jr.

06/01/2026

Celebrating Historic Preservation Month ! We had the pleasure of a visit from Casey Cass, candidate for Martin County Commissioner District 2, this afternoon. It was wonderful meeting him in person, and it is always good to get to know our candidates face-to-face through open conversations about the important issues facing Martin County.

Many Martin County residents — especially our neighbors in Port Salerno — already know Casey well. He has been active in local advocacy, particularly through Save Our Salerno (SOS), a Florida not-for-profit corporation. Its mission focuses on preserving Port Salerno’s community heritage, character, and quality of life for future generations.

Casey Cass is the CEO/President and founder of Casco Tools Inc., a veteran-owned tool and equipment rental company serving the Treasure Coast (Stuart, Port Salerno area, and recently expanded to Okeechobee). Before founding Casco Tools, Casey worked as a contractor himself, which gives him a unique “insider’s perspective.” Casey has over 35 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry, positioning him as someone who understands local development, infrastructure, and economic needs from practical experience.

His opposition to certain redevelopment and density proposals in Port Salerno has made him a prominent figure in development debates.

As media outlets have noted over the years, Casey Cass is actively involved in numerous charitable efforts, both personally and through his company, Casco Tools Inc., and the nonprofit Save Our Salerno (SOS).

His work emphasizes disaster relief, youth support, health causes, and local community events.

Cass and Casco Tools have been quick responders after major storms.
After Hurricane Helene (2024), they collected and delivered three truckloads of supplies (plywood, food, water, bleach, tarps, etc.) to hard-hit areas like Cedar Key, northern Georgia, and western North Carolina. Cass personally funded drivers and fuel.

Similar efforts followed Hurricane Florence (2018), collecting and shipping needed supplies to the Carolinas.

After Hurricane Milton (2024), SOS (with Cass as CEO) provided tarps and supplies in Port Salerno and partnered with Project Lift to build and deliver tiny homes for displaced families, involving local youth volunteers.

Casco Tools has been a Gold Sponsor of the Business Partner Society. The company supports vocational training and construction trade programs for local youth.

Through SOS events like the Port Salerno Christmas Jamboree, proceeds (matched by Casco Tools) fund scholarships for local kids to learn trades.

Dancing with the Martin Stars: Cass has participated multiple times as a dancer, raising significant funds (one year his team raised over $41,000). He supports Martin County Healthy Start and has shared personal reasons tied to his mother’s struggle with postpartum depression.

Cacey participated in the American Cancer Society campaign for breast cancer research - Real Men Wear Pink.

His Supporters highlight his dedicated, servant-hearted approach.

His campaign emphasizes:
- Transparent leadership
- Responsible growth (opposing unchecked development while supporting smart planning)
- Community-focused decision-making
- Putting residents first, preserving open spaces, waterways, and quality of life in Martin County.

Visit his website caseycassformartin.com and do not hesitate to contact him.

We are looking forward to learn more about Casey Cass for Martin County Commissioner, District 2, before the August 18, 2026 primary election!

Olga Hamilton and Robert W Hamilton Jr.

05/25/2026

As always, Sunday Get-Together at The 1895 Church of StuArt was filled with wonderful conversations, laughter, and plenty of culinary deliciousness 😊
Robert treated everyone to potstickers, finished in rich beef broth for extra flavor. Jess brought an Asian-inspired shrimp salad loaded with almonds, water chestnuts, and all kinds of goodness — along with a delicious strawberry cake 😃 Debra comforted the table with turkey sliders, while Katherine and Tom shared a carrot cake. And Janis topped the afternoon off with a classic German chocolate cake — moist and rich with caramel-like cream.
We were also happy to welcome our guest Patty. The first time we met Patty was back in 2020, when we hosted Danuta Rothschild during the Martin Artisans Guild Open Studio Tour. More recently, Lorrie Goss of Clay Fine Arts met Patty at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center fundraiser. Small world and wonderful people ❤️
And good food always tastes even better when shared with friends under the old oak tree at the historic Pioneer Church 🌳😊

aroundandabout.us

Thank You, Everyone for the wonderful Sunday!

Olga Hamilton and Robert W Hamilton Jr.

05/22/2026

Celebrating Historic Preservation Month, we would like to give a special shout-out to the Martin County Library System - Martin Digital History Project for helping preserve and share the rich history of our community. 💝
Dated 1910, this remarkable photograph shows Flagler Avenue in Stuart looking south from near the river. Visible on the left are a small railroad building, the Stanley Kitching store, Geo. W. Parks General Merchandise Store (today’s Stuart Heritage Museum), and the post office. On the right side, you can see the Stuart House Hotel and the building that was once the first church in Stuart — without its steeple.
That very building, also known as the Pioneer Church, still stands, preserving its original Dade County Pine lap siding, studs, and beadboard. In 1932, the former Methodist church building became a central part of St. Mary’s Church, continuing its long story of faith and community.
The Florida Department of State | Florida Division of Historical Resources notes that the property located at 311 SW 3rd Street, Stuart Florida (8MT346) appears to meet the criteria for listing in the National Register of Historic Places– letter to the City of Stuart, December 1st, 2023

You are very welcome to visit us for Local History and Fine Art on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm at 311 SW 3rd Street, Stuart, FL 34994. 😊

And please support the Martin County Digital Project. Funded from 2023–2025 chiefly through American Rescue Plan Act grants ($251,208) and Impact100 Martin ($33,000), the project is now supported solely through private donations in 2026.

Olga Hamilton and Robert W Hamilton Jr.



https://martindigitalhistory.org/items/show/13034

05/20/2026

In the earliest Florida settlements like Potsdam — later renamed Stuart — churches were far more than places of worship. They served as the heart of the community: gathering places for settlers, centers for social connection, sites for weddings, funerals, meetings, and shared support during the hardships of pioneer life. In isolated frontier communities, the church often became a symbol of stability, civilization, hope, and unity.
The little white church with the red roof built in Potsdam in 1895 stood near the railroad tracks so travelers arriving by train could immediately recognize the growing settlement as an established and welcoming community. As Mrs. John E. Taylor (Sara Josephine Kitching) later wrote, it was “the church for the whole community whatever their denomination, as it was the only church here.” Long before large civic buildings, theaters, or public halls existed, churches helped shape the cultural and social foundation of small Florida towns. In early Stuart, the Pioneer Church became one of the first true community landmarks — connecting neighbors, welcoming newcomers, and helping define the identity of the settlement itself. Even after the congregation outgrew the original structure, the building continued serving the community for decades in different ways, reflecting how deeply woven such churches were into the life of early towns.
To learn more about the history of the first church in Stuart, Florida, please read the article:

State Archives of Florida Florida Division of Historical Resources Historical Society of The United Methodist Church Martin County Library System

Regards,
Olga Hamilton and Robert W Hamilton Jr.

This little painted white church and red roof with a tall steeple attracted people from miles around.

05/18/2026

Celebrating Historic Preservation Month - Places like Stuart are becoming increasingly rare. Unlike many heavily overdeveloped destinations, Stuart still offers moments of quiet coastal charm and a sense of authenticity that visitors and residents cherish. Yet many wonder how long that character can survive before high-rise apartments and expanding commercial development begin reshaping the area into another densely built coastal corridor...

Unlike heavily overdeveloped resort destinations, Stuart still offers moments of quiet charm. Authenticity takes generations to build and only a few years to erase.