For individuals that are looking for religious sites in Orlando, there are numerous sites to see. It may appear unusual to realize that there are some pretty unique religious sites in Orlando due to the reputation of theme parks and Disney World. Yet in fact, there are several religious sites in Orlando and the surrounding area. This next list is a mixture of religious sites in Orlando and some other pretty special religious destinations in Orlando.
Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine
Over time this shrine has changed its name. The site is now referred to as the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. This Roman Catholic Church was a concept that grew in the 1970s, and finally become real in the 1980's. Its original conception and construction was meant to house the millions of Catholics that come to the Orlando area yearly. This safe place for traveling Catholics, is intended to provide a place for worship and Mass in a spot surrounded by superb statues, unique design with sculpted entryways and walls that are decorated with beautiful artifacts. The property also includes gorgeous gardens, a special museum and an old fashioned gift shop.
Holy Land Experience
This not a typical Orlando theme park. In stark contrast to the many other parks, the Holy Land Experience Park provides guests an affordable, educational opportunity. Designed for every age, this park is a place where the whole family can participate in several interactive story-telling experiences. The park is situated southwest of the downtown district. The park was designed with the basic intention of showing its visitors how Jesus lived his life 2,000 years in the past. The park le's visitors step back in time to the Holy Land where they can witness the biblical stories acted out in front of them. Visitors can also discover engaging artifacts on display in the parks numerous exhibits. The Holy Land Experience is an enjoyably uplifing and historic place for the religious to see the bible come to life.
Lake Eola
For those who are looking for a mix of Indian heritage and faith, Lake Eola is the location of an embossed tree that is marked as the grave location of the figure whom it is believed that Orlando is named after. The accepted story is that a man named Sentinel Orlando Reeves was an American soldier in the time of the Seminole War, he was going out to alert his fellow soldier's of an imminent attack by the Seminole Indians when he was attacked and snuffed out. His name is carved on a tree in the park at Lake Eola. Settlers in the area at the time said that this site was his grave marker. It is thought that he carved his name on the tree near Lake Eola. The settler's in the area theorized that this was the location of his dying. This belief led some to connect his early death with the many Seminole Indian War battles that were occurring at the time. From this tree engraving, settler's named the area surrounding the tree "Orlando's Grave" and other settler's called it just simply Orlando.
Ebenezer Methodist Church
Ebenezer United Methodist Church is also situated in Orlando. Established in 1892 its members made a wood church on this site. It was noted as the very first African-American Methodist Church Then in 1922 the members of the church decided they would have liked a more permanent structure and tore down the old structure and reconstructed the Gothic Style brick church that now occupies this site.
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
This is one of the very first African American churches in the area. It was organised in 1919. At first parishioners met in various locations before the congregation finally found this spot. Once it was decided on and bought, the church members themselves made the rusticated concrete blocks for the development of the building walls. This important Gothic style church was completed in 1921.
Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine
Over time this shrine has changed its name. The site is now referred to as the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. This Roman Catholic Church was a concept that grew in the 1970s, and finally become real in the 1980's. Its original conception and construction was meant to house the millions of Catholics that come to the Orlando area yearly. This safe place for traveling Catholics, is intended to provide a place for worship and Mass in a spot surrounded by superb statues, unique design with sculpted entryways and walls that are decorated with beautiful artifacts. The property also includes gorgeous gardens, a special museum and an old fashioned gift shop.
Holy Land Experience
This not a typical Orlando theme park. In stark contrast to the many other parks, the Holy Land Experience Park provides guests an affordable, educational opportunity. Designed for every age, this park is a place where the whole family can participate in several interactive story-telling experiences. The park is situated southwest of the downtown district. The park was designed with the basic intention of showing its visitors how Jesus lived his life 2,000 years in the past. The park le's visitors step back in time to the Holy Land where they can witness the biblical stories acted out in front of them. Visitors can also discover engaging artifacts on display in the parks numerous exhibits. The Holy Land Experience is an enjoyably uplifing and historic place for the religious to see the bible come to life.
Lake Eola
For those who are looking for a mix of Indian heritage and faith, Lake Eola is the location of an embossed tree that is marked as the grave location of the figure whom it is believed that Orlando is named after. The accepted story is that a man named Sentinel Orlando Reeves was an American soldier in the time of the Seminole War, he was going out to alert his fellow soldier's of an imminent attack by the Seminole Indians when he was attacked and snuffed out. His name is carved on a tree in the park at Lake Eola. Settlers in the area at the time said that this site was his grave marker. It is thought that he carved his name on the tree near Lake Eola. The settler's in the area theorized that this was the location of his dying. This belief led some to connect his early death with the many Seminole Indian War battles that were occurring at the time. From this tree engraving, settler's named the area surrounding the tree "Orlando's Grave" and other settler's called it just simply Orlando.
Ebenezer Methodist Church
Ebenezer United Methodist Church is also situated in Orlando. Established in 1892 its members made a wood church on this site. It was noted as the very first African-American Methodist Church Then in 1922 the members of the church decided they would have liked a more permanent structure and tore down the old structure and reconstructed the Gothic Style brick church that now occupies this site.
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
This is one of the very first African American churches in the area. It was organised in 1919. At first parishioners met in various locations before the congregation finally found this spot. Once it was decided on and bought, the church members themselves made the rusticated concrete blocks for the development of the building walls. This important Gothic style church was completed in 1921.
About the Author:
Mellanie Hermin has been fascinated by religious sites in Orlando for many years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications, which can be found here.