Archaeologists Discover Historical 330-Year-Old Church in Florida
University of Florida archaeologists have discovered the foundations of what they believe is a more than 330-year-old stone church in St. Augustine.
Archaeologists explain that the find is significant as it is the oldest church of its kind in the state.
The church is estimated to have been built in 1677, and the foundation has been found on the site of the first and longest-lasting of the Spanish missions in Florida.
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The Church of Nombre de Dios and la Leche was built in 1677 and was greatly praised in many old documents including letters to the king of Spain.
Archeologists believe the church was about 90 by 40 feet in size, meaning it was the largest church in the Spanish colonies at the time.
Dr. Kathleen Deagan with the University of Florida has reported, “The governor bragged that it was the finest church in the provinces.”
It was also the first stone building in the state of Florida, but in 1738 the Spanish governor blew up the church at the start of the British invasion.
