Christianity and the Apalachee

The introduction of Catholicism to the Apalachee at San Luis brought fundamental changes. From marriage to funeral practices, holidays to education, the church influenced nearly every aspect of daily life. Throughout the day, the church bells tolled to mark many activities. Spaniards and Apalachee alike attended Saturday evening prayers, 11 a.m. Mass on Sundays, services on religious holidays, choir practices, baptisms, marriages, and funeral rites in the church. Baptisms began at the door of the church with the priest addressing questions to the child who was held by a godparent. The group then moved inside the church to the front where the priest completed the ceremony. The base of the limestone baptismal font was found inside the church at San Luis. It is the only baptismal font ever located at a mission in Spanish Florida.

Tallahassee, Florida · United States