For the first time since the cemetery’s establishment in 1876, St. Johns is hosting a wedding in its Gatehouse chapel. St. Johns is one of Pensacola’s most historic cemeteries founded by masons of Escambia Lodge #15 F&AM. St. John’s contains the largest and most diverse number of gravestones and monuments in Northwest Florida. Annually, there are memorials and picnics to celebrate and to remember those buried within. This week, St. Johns will add marriage to its list of celebrations.
The bride, Sophie Houser, and groom, Wesley Odom, have a special place in their hearts for the hallowed grounds. It is the place where they met, began their courtship, volunteer, and plant flowers near loved ones’ graves.
Sophie is an art teacher with the Escambia County School District and even painted the mural in the chapel where they will be wed on December 17.
Wesley owns an investment advisory firm, Armada Advisors, and a tour company, Go Retro.
In lieu of gifts, the couple is requesting their guests donate to St. Johns, which is a not-for-profit organization, established and operated by Masons.
According to cemetery president, Eric Stevenson, “St. Johns might seem like a quiet place, but the historic cemetery continues to serve it mission. Burials occur there monthly, and groups like the Daughters of the American Revolution, are preparing to place wreaths on the graves of veterans of the Vietnam War, as part of the Wreaths Across America program. This memorial will be occurring the same day as the wedding. It’s exciting to see people show interest and appreciation for those interred in St. Johns.”
The couple have planned to continue their love into eternity because they plan to be buried at St. Johns.