11/02/2026
ST. MARGARET’S CHURCH, FLEMING ISLAND
Look what Earlene, the 1930 Model A Ford, found!
If you’ve ever traveled down Hibernia Road to where the road narrows to a dirt-road on Fleming Island, you’ve probably passed St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.
This beautiful little chapel has quite a history!
The story goes back to the 1800s, when Lewis and Margaret Fleming lived at Hibernia, a thousand-acre plantation along the St. Johns River. Their home, known as the Great House, had thirty rooms, seven fireplaces, and a 600-foot river wharf.
During the Civil War, Margaret lost her husband, Lewis, and was later forced to leave Hibernia when Union troops arrived in 1864. When she returned, the property had been badly damaged. She eventually restored the home, turning it into a popular boardinghouse for steamboat travelers. Guests could stay for just $2.50 a night!
Margaret was also deeply devoted to her church. In 1875, she began building a small chapel on the property using heart pine harvested from Fleming Island. It is a fine example of a Florida Carpenter Gothic Chapel.
Sadly, she never saw the chapel completed. Margaret died in April 1878, and her funeral became the very first religious service held inside the unfinished chapel.
The church was later named St. Margaret’s in her honor and opened for public worship on February 12, 1882.
The Great House eventually fell into disrepair and was demolished in the 1950s, but Margaret’s little chapel survived.
Interestingly, while Fleming Island has changed tremendously over the years, this small church still stands as a reminder of the people and history that came before us.
Next time you’re on Hibernia Road, take a moment to appreciate this little piece of Clay County history.
Have you ever visited St. Margaret’s, have any memories of old Hibernia or have you seen Earlene out and about in Clay County?
📖 Source: “Spires in the Sun”
