On February 19th, I visited Old Bethel United Methodist Church with our class. On the left is a picture of our tour guide (Sue Bennett) and the right is a picture of Old Bethel. Sue Bennett gave our class a tour of Old Bethel, in which I learned a lot of information. For example, Sue Bennett informed us that, "In 1797 the church has begun to be erected at 222 Calhoun Street." She also informed us that at this time church members were allowed to have slaves, but the pastor was not. I found this very interesting that they allowed everyone but the pastor to have slaves. Another interesting fact that I learned from Sue Bennett was that Old Bethel is actually the third oldest church in the city! Wow! 
Sue Bennett showed us this memorial (left) first. This memorial belonged to Pastor William H. Flemming, D.D. who was born on January 1st 1821 and died on April 16th 1877. Lastly, the Bible on top is a symbol that this memorial was for a religious person...which is very clear considering this was for a pastor.
This next memorial which is for Francis J. Pelzer symbolizes methodism. Sue Bennett explained that Pelzer was a good man, a man who stood for women's rights, fought again slavery, started African American schools, and gave money to orphanages.
This headstone belongs to "Rebecca Jane the daughter of C D & R.J. Bateman born January 22 1856 and died November 21 1875." There is an angel on her headstone which symbolizes God, spirituality, and the guardians of the dead. Also, from what I can see, the angel is holding a trumpet which symbolizes a call to resurrection.
This headstone sits right next to Rebecca Jane (as seen above) and belongs to C.D. Bateman. Bateman died on September 22, 1889 and "aged 61 years, 1 month, 24 days." On Bateman's headstone it seems to be a bouquet of daffodils which symbolizes grace, beauty, and a deep regard.
This next headstone belongs to Priscilla Sarah Eason who was born on June 28th 1809 and died March 10th 1885. On the headstone it says "Our Mother" and "Her Children arrive up and call her blessed." Lastly, the cross inside the crown symbolizes a meaning of suffering (the cross) followed by the eternal reward (the crown).
These next ledgers I found the most interest in! Sue Bennett explained that the earthquake of 1886 crumbled these stones. She also explained that if there was a rector scale at the time, this earthquake would have been a 7.6!
This headstone belongs to Rosa Mary who was born on October 9th, 1835 and died November 2nd, 1881. This drapery on her grave symbolizes the expression of mourning to linger long after the body is taken. Draperies in general symbolize sorrow/morning. Lastly, on the bottom of the headstone is says, "A brighter home than ours, in heaven, is now thine own."
As we walked around Old Bethel Church, we had seen many different types of symbolizes. This particular headstone actually represents two symbols: the wreath and the dove. The wreath symbolizes the victory of the redemption (in reference to Christianity). More specifically, this is an ivy wreath which is symbolic of gaiety and joviality. Next, the dove, which is an important symbolic animal in Christianity representing the Holy Spirit and also refers to the story of baptism in Christianity which states, "And John bore record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending rom Heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him." (Bible John 1:32). Lastly, the headset belongs to Anna Chrietzberc who lived from 1821-1872.
This headstone belongs to James F.M. Lord who died at the age of 37 on February 16th, 1862. On this headstone there is a weeping willow which symbolizes mourning, grief, and nature's lament (a symbol of sorrow).
This next gravestone belongs to Casey Poyas. On the top of the headstone is says, "Resurgam" which means, "I shall rise again." There is also a finger pointing up which symbolizes the hope of heaven.
I received assistance from gravestone symbolism.
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