blandford church and cemetery

The Old Blindfold Church is a Confederate Shrine in Tiffany Glass — authentic Tiffany windows all designed by a master Tiffany designer. Each Confederate state had to raise funds for their state window — and not all succeeded in that. If the funds lacked, they got a small, token window donated by Tiffany.The fact that this is a church filled with Tiffany stained glass, and Tiffany alone, is worth the visit. The added historical cache — that this is a Confederate memorial — makes it even more visit-worthy if you are in the Richmond area. The adjacent cemetery is also a must-see for history buffs and cemetery lovers (I count myself among both). We took the tour on misty/drizzly day in December and were not disappointed. Our knowledgable guide rattled off the the information about the graveyard and then the windows themselves as went were led methodically through the small church. My only gripe is the prohibition on photography inside the chapel. It doesn't really make any sense. These are stained glass windows, not museum quality paintings. The windows will not be damaged by photography, even flash photography. They are designed for receiving light of all kinds. So it was frustrating for this photography enthusiast and traveler to be constrained on that account. I think the keepers should rethink that policy as it does not help them or the site. As I New Englander born and bred I had never seen the Confederate side of history that I was able to experience on this trip to the Richmond area, and the Blandford Church in particular is a gem — Tiffany history, Confederate History, and a beautiful, living work of art. Since we visited on a cloudy, rainy day — we were not able to enjoy the sunlight penetrating the glass (again, photography would have been appreciated), nor could taking pictures from the outside produce anything recognizable. If you can choose, go on a sunny day. Go here! The keepers in the little visitor center are very welcoming and knowledgable and will help you enjoy your visit. To go inside the church does require going with a guide on the tour. Enjoy!

The church looks so small and is just nothing from the outside but the inside is FANTASTIC the stained glass windows are all by Tiffany and when the sun shines in the glass art is magical .pick a sunny day if possible and do go one a guided tour if you can each window is a majestic work of art beyond words .you keep asking how this church as small as it is commands such fine art . It is a hidden treasure and maybe it is supposed to look dull and unimportant from the outside to keep the treasures within safe .the church is close to the battlefield so plan going there as well .

The vast historic cemetery and the stark buildings were an amazing backdrop to the exquisite Tiffany windows within the church. This is not to be missed.

The tour is worth every minute of your time. Beautiful architecture, stained glass and history. See the church and walk some of the grounds. A sobering experience.

This is a "must see" if you are in Petersburg or the Richmond Metro area. The Blandford Church was erected in 1735. During the Siege of Petersburg in the Civil War it s used as a hospital for wounded Confederate troops. The cemetery surrounding the Church contains the grave sites of 30,000 Confederate and Union dead as well as soldiers who defended the city during the War of 1812 and also prominent politicians and settlers from colonial time. The focus however, is the Church and its windows. It contains 15 windows designed and built by Louis Comfort Tiffany to honor the Civil War dead with each window depicting an apostle and representing one of the states. They are breath taking and change colors and hue as the sun moves across the sky.

This fine site instills in the visitor a sense of pride & anguish at the tremendous human & economic cost of war. The cemetery brings stillness to,the heart as one feels the anguish of their pain & suffering. The Tiffany windows in the church are awe inspiring in their symbolism & beauty. The windows depict the Saints in the tribute to civil war cause. The tour guides are knowledgeable & help visitors understand the sacrifice for the states to donate these amazing windows.

This church and cemetery have so much history and beauty that it's hard to actually describe it. I can't imagine that anyone who would visit it would come away disappointed. Our tour guide was great and very knowledgeable. She spent a lot of time explaining the history of the cemetery, the importance of it during the Civil War, and the stained glass windows. Even though she went into a bit of detail, none of it was boring; it was all fascinating. And, those Tiffany windows are simply fantastic in their detail and beauty. In fact, I think they might be the prettiest Tiffany windows that I have seen anywhere. Definitely a must-see for anyone who's visiting the Petersburg area.

I absolutely loved hearing the history and detail behind every stained glass window in this small church that would probably be unnoticed by most. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and interacted with each member on the tour. We happened to be from Louisiana and Texas so she pointed out our specific windows and took a little extra time on them it seemed. Even though the tour seemed to be for art majors at university as she described the different techniques used to create the different colours. I still felt there was plenty of other information and detail to completely hold my interest! Afterwards, the tour guide was also able to answer any questions about the cemetery and even pointed out interesting and unusual headstones that might be of interest. This was a fantastic little tour. Side note, if you are military the tour is absolutely free! (I think it was only $5 otherwise, which seems to be a very low cost for a tour that gives so much)

The small but interesting visitor center/museum/gift shop is overshadowed by the church with stained glass windows by Tiffany representing the southern states in the Civil War. The tour guides give an interesting detailed lecture. The cemetery is huge and has mass graves for many, some found and buried years after the war! There is a special section for Confederate veterans, they are awaiting the next revile! The remains of General Billy Mahone and his wife, Ophelia, are interred in a simple mausoleum marked only with the letter M!

The artistic beauty, the pride and reverence shown by the docents, the still active support by the Ladies Memorial. It is sad that such a meaningful place is in a city so unaware that it signifies so much that makes America great

A must see! Excellent history lesson. Beautiful one of a kind tiffany stained glass windows. Cemetery tour included. Knowledgeable staff.

Petersburg is very historic and there are many places to visit here. This church and the cemetery should not be missed. There are only a few places in the US other than this church where all the windows are by Tiffany. Even in the darkened church, you can see the beauty of the windows.There is no photography allowed inside the church, but I bought a set of postcards of all the windows at their gift shop. The guide who presented the 45 minute tour was excellent-very knowledgeable.

Blandford Church was built in 1735 on the highest point in Petersburg, Virginia. It is a very small church that does not have an active congregation. Between 1904 and 1912, fifteen windows were installed in the church. These had been commissioned by the Ladies' Memorial Association. All the states of the Confederacy and the "border" states were asked to participate, i.e., pay a fee to have a window made to memorialize the soldiers of that state. Only Kentucky opted not to participate. Each window has a figure of a Saint, an inscription, and most have the state seal. The windows were designed and made in the studios of Louis Comfort Tiffany. That is, they are Tiffany windows, and they are spectacular. You visit the church to see the windows, although the adjoining huge Cemetery is also worth a visit. Our tour guide was terrific: knowledgeable about the history of the church and the artistry of each window. If you're in Petersburg, this is a "must" attraction to visit.

In addition to the amazing history of this church built in 1735 and its evolution to what you see today, the most impressive and surprising thing to me was the 3-dimensional aspect of the spectacular Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows. I had never seen stained glass windows that had depth! Without touching, we were encouraged to get very close to the windows, and view the third dimension of the folds of the robes and other details - incredible!! No photography allowed, but the visitor's center has a beautiful small book available for purchase that has magnificent full-page photos of the windows, which I gladly bought (very reasonable price). The book is great, but you have to see this in person to fully appreciate the quality and beauty of the windows. We thought Petersburg could be ho-hum, but it is essential to Civil War history buffs! Petersburg is where the Civil War was decided. Get printed literature or go to the visitor's center to find important historical attractions. For example, nearby, in Colonial Heights is Lee's Headquarters, and to find it, you need to know it is called "Violet Bank" and it does not show up on Trip Advisor under "Petersburg", but under "Colonial Heights". And that tour is equally amazing - so much memorabilia & history. The Petersburg area is a must!!

Blandford Church is small, but its size belies its treasures. The windows of the church represent each of the states of the Confederate States of America. The "state" windows were designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, and most have one of the disciples (chosen by Tiffany) of Jesus at its center. The glass works are quite wonderful. St. Thomas's robes resemble moire silk. To accomplish the moire silk look Mr. Tiffany used special combs in the glass just before it hardened to its present state. Stained glass historians admire this work, and it is well worth a visit when you are in Petersburg< VA.