Sneaky Symbols Scavenger Hunt

Camille Wish with Professor Harwood 

On March 4th, we ventured to the Bethel Church Cemetery to look for gravestone symbols. While we were there, Camille Wish gave us insightful information about the church and cemetery history. In fact, she said that "the graveyard used to extend all the way through the parking lot."

Wish owns her own antique shop, Terrace Oaks Antiques, here in Charleston. She also attends the Bethel Church on Sunday mornings, and she even invited us to a service!









The church was founded in 1797. It was the only Methodist church to remain open during the Civil War. The first building was a simple wooden structure and remains Charleston's oldest standing Methodist church.

This is considered a pulpit marker 

The first grave is that of Rev. William H. Fleming. He was pastor of the Bethel Church for many years. He was born in January of 1821 and died in April of 1877.

wreath and Bible  

The Bible sitting on the very top of the gravestone represents a religious layperson, cleric, or in this case a pastor. The two wreaths can be associated with the attained distinction in the arts or literature. 

This is a die base and cap

This is the grave of Rebecca Jane Bateman. She was born in January of 1856 and died at the young age of 19 in November of 1875.

weeping angel

Angels often symbolize Guardians of the Dead. Sometimes, angels are seen carrying the departed souls of a child, which is what could possibly be seen here. 

This is a die in socket

This is the resting place of Rosa Mary Muckenfuss. She was born in October of 1835 and died in November of 1881. 

drapery and flowers 

The beautiful drapery in on this headstone is carved so delicately. Drapery often symbolizes sorrow or mourning. Although there are many flowers in the small bouquet, the roses are predominant. Roses symbolize unfailing love, beauty, and hope. 

This is a die on socket 

 This headstone was made in memory of Anna Chrietzberc who was the wife of a pastor. She was born in March of 1821 and died in January of 1872.

wreath and dove

Just like the previous pastor, the wreath symbolizes the attained distinction of literature and the arts. The dove is an important animal in Christianity, for it symbolizes the Holy Spirit.

this is a headstone

This is the headstone of Pricilla Sarah Eason and it was erected by her children. She was born in June of 1806 and died in March of 1885.

Cross with Crown 

The cross is an ordinary T-shaped cross, or better known as St. Anthony's Cross. It symbolizes the Old Testament cross. The crown represents immortality or righteousness. Together, they symbolize the sovereignty of the Lord.

This is a headstone 

This is the headstone of James F. M. Lord. He was born sometime in 1825 and died of consumption in his home in February of 1862.

Willow tree

The Weeping willow has to be one of my favorites symbols. To me, willow trees are so beautiful, and their symbolism of sorrow and mourning seem fitting.

A fallen headstone 

This fallen headstone belongs to Charles C. Seyle. He was born in July of 1823 and died in February of 1880.

cross with ivy

I believe this is a cross with ivy. The cross looks like the Old Testament cross, and the ivy symbolizes memory and friendship.

this is a die on base 

This is the gravestone of Eva Lee Warren. She was born in June of 1867 and died after 26 years in September of 1893.

roses on a scroll

The roses represent beauty, hope, and unfailing love. The scroll symbolizes life and time.

This is a headstone 

This is the headstone of Nathaniel Smalls. His birth and death dates are unknown, however, the gravestone says he was aged 51 years.

hourglass with wings 

The hourglass symbolizes the inevitable passing of time and the shortness of life. The wings could mean many different things, like the Holy Spirit or faith.

This is a headstone 

This headstone belongs to Casey Poyas. I was unable to read his birth and death dates if known, and I was also unable to find him on the Find a Grave website.

hand pointing up

The hand pointing up symbolizes the reward of the righteous, confirmation of life after death.