Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine

Over a period of 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 accommodate the millions of Catholics that come to the Orlando area annually. This safe place for traveling Catholics, is intended to provide a place for worship and Mass in a spot encircled by superb statues, unique design with sculpted entryways and walls that are embellished 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 contrast to the plenty of other parks, the Holy Land Experience Park provides guests an inexpensive, learning experience. Designed for any age, this park is a place where everyone can take part in several interactive story-telling experiences. The park is situated southwest of the downtown district. The park was designed with the basic plan to showing its visitors how Jesus lived his life 2,000 years ago. 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 countless exhibits. The Holy Land Experience is a wonderfully inspirational and history filled place for the religious and faithful to experience the bible come to life.

Lake Eola

For those that are looking for a mixture of Indian heritage and faith, Lake Eola is the site of an engraved tree that's marked as the grave place of the figure whom it is widely accepted that Orlando is named after. The tale is that a man named Sentinel Orlando Reeves was an American soldier in the time of the Seminole War, he was going out to warn his fellow soldier’s of an imminent attack by the Seminole Indians when he was attacked and killed. His name is carved on a tree in the park at Lake Eola. Settlers in the area at the time declared this was his grave marker. It is assumed that he carved his name on the tree near Lake Eola. The settler’s in the area speculated that this was the site of his expiration. This belief led some to connect his early death with the many Seminole Indian War battles that were occurring in the area 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 built 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 wanted a more permanent structure and ripped 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 oldest African American churches in the area. It was arranged in 1919. Initially parishioners met in varied locations before the congregation finally found this spot. Once it was decided on and purchased, 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.

Mellanie Hermin has been interested in religious sites in Orlando for a number of years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications, which can on occasion be found here.

Religious Site In Orlando To Visit is a post from: WiredWriter