This photo was taken to show the abundant Easter flowers decorating St. Paul’s Church in 1913. The church had not yet moved from its original location of Fourth and E Street. Looking behind the Easter lilies, it is possible to glimpse the brass altar rail. Recently, Eric Guastavino polished the cross on the gate of the altar rail and it was possible to read the dedication engraved in the decoration. It reads “Donated by the altar guild in loving memory of Nannie Evans.” Nannie Evans was the daughter of Col. W. H. Harney. She was born in San Francisco in 1857. She married Evan C. Evans at St. Paul’s Church in 1885. She became an active member of St. Paul’s. She and Evan had three sons: Evan Jr., Harry and Arthur. She and Evan had just built an expensive home at 120 Laurel Place in San Rafael when she had a failed operation and died in 1904. Her funeral was held at St. Paul’s with the Rev. Charles Hitchcock giving the funeral sermon. She is buried at Mt. Tamalpais Cemetery. It is ironic that the altar rail was donated by the church altar guild, since it is a constant chore for the present altar guild to polish the rail and keep it shiny.
~Joy Moss
