Alanreed Baptist Church The sign out front calls this the oldest church (1904) on Route 66 in Texas.
First Methodist Church - Jasper, AL From the historic marker: Methodism came to Jasper with the city's founder, Dr. Edward Gordon Musgrove, who donated land for the courthouse and for most of downtown Jasper. In 1826, he and others constructed a building of large hewn logs that was used as both a Methodist church and a school. Around 1858, a two-story frame church building was constructed. Unsubstantiated local accounts state the church was burned to the ground in March of 1865 by General James H. Wilson's cavalry corps. Another frame building, shared with the Masons, was erected here in 1869. In 1888, it was replaced by a brick church with a steeple. In 1915, when a new church was planned, Lycurgus B. Musgrove, grandson of Dr. Edward Musgrove, provided the funds for the white marble exterior and donated the stained glass dome in memory of his mother, Elizabeth Cain Musgrove. First United Methodist Church Jasper was dedicated, debt-free, in 1927. With distinguishing features such as white marble from Georgia, mahogany wood interior, stained glass windows and an art glass interior dome, the church is among Alabama's most outstanding examples of beaux arts neoclassical architecture. The church was listed to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 1983 and to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt Attends Funeral of William Brockman Bankhead Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives On Tuesday, September 17, 1940, the funeral of William Brockman Bankhead, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, was held at the First United Methodist Church, Jasper. Bankhead (1874-1940) was elected to the House in 1917 and served as its Speaker from 1936 until his death. He was a political ally of President Roosevelt and his New Deal policies. Of the estimated 40,000 people who attended Bankhead's funeral were many Alabama notables, U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and member of his Cabinet, and State and Congressional Representatives and Senators, including Harry S. Truman, who later served as U.S. President. They arrived in Jasper by special train from Washington D.C. A wooden ramp was built at the church so that the official car transporting the President could drive up to the main door. Today, a brass plaque marks the pew occupied by President Roosevelt during the funeral service.
First Presbyterian Church - Cairo, IL Cairo, IL is a fascinating city. A century ago, it was a thriving city at the southern end of Illinois where rivers meet. However, a large percentage of the population leaves every decade and eventually Cairo will be a ghost town. The town has fascinating and intricate architecture, but the few remaining citizens can't save everything. A few places are actively preserved, but many places are crumbling or have been torn down. The 1894 First Presbyterian Church appears to be in decent shape. It is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Cairo Historic District
First Missionary Baptist Church - Cairo, IL Cairo, IL is a fascinating city. A century ago, it was a thriving city at the southern end of Illinois where rivers meet. However, a large percentage of the population leaves every decade and eventually Cairo will be a ghost town. The town has fascinating and intricate architecture, but the few remaining citizens can't save everything. A few places are actively preserved, but many places are crumbling or have been torn down. This building dates back to 1904. The congregation appears to have moved to a newer building in town. I learned about it here: www.historicalcairo.com/map-cairo-points-of-interest
DeHaven Memorial Baptist Church - La Grange, KY This church is part of the Central La Grange Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. Info from that listing: 68. DeHaven Memorial Baptist Church. 300 West Main Street. 1895/additions, 1950s and 1960.Important as a fine example of a Victorian Gothic church and as a landmark building in La Grange. The asymmetrically configured brick church built in 1895 has a cross-gable roof with a corner entrance vestibule and a prominent square tower with a very tall pyramidal roof resembling a spire. Detailing consists of rusticated stone trim (possibly cast-stone) around doors and windows which indicate a Romanesque Revival influence, brick buttresses trimmed in stone, and large pointed, arched stained-glass windows on the south and east sides. The finely detailed sanctuary has a magnificent paneled ceiling with carved wooden ribs that meet at a central pendant. Two non-historic education buildings constructed in c. 1950 and 1960 are attached to and extend from the west side of the church. A historic stone wall fronts the south and west sides of the lot. This building replaced the earlier Baptist Church at 206 East Washington Street. The quality and elaborateness of the design suggest that an accomplished architect perhaps from nearby Louisville was responsible for it; considerable research, however, has failed to uncover his identity. Named for Judge Samuel DeHaven, La Grange's wealthiest and most influential late nineteenth century citizen whose wife, Betty Russell DeHaven, gave the church in his memory.
Flagler Memorial Presbyterian Church Dome - St. Augustine, FL from the historic marker: Henry M. Flagler, whose efforts greatly aided the opening of the east Florida coast for development, built the Memorial Presbyterian Church in memory of his daughter, Jennie Flagler Benedict, who died tragically in 1889. He presented the magnificent Venetian Renaissance style structure to the First Presbyterian Church. Upon moving in to the new building in 1890, the congregation took the name Memorial Presbyterian Church in honor of their benefactor. The remains of Henry Flagler lie beside those of his first wife, Mary, and his daughter in the mausoleum. This building is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Model Land Company Historic District in St. Augustine.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Key West, FL This 1919 Gothic Revival church building is on the National Register of Historic Places as contributing property to the vast Key West Historic District.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Newport, KY From Wikipedia: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, built in 1871, is an historic Episcopal church located at 7 Court Place at York Street in Newport, Kentucky, in the United States. On November 25, 1980 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. History The church was founded on Easter Sunday in 1844, with the assistance of the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hamner Cobbs, who was then rector of St. Paul's Church in Cincinnati. He helped "the Church-minded people in Newport" to organize their new congregation and the vestry considered him to be St. Paul's founder. Six months later the Rev. Mr. Cobbs was elected Bishop of Alabama. Later in 1844, the vestry bought the small Methodist brick church building on Court Place for $500. The Methodist Meeting House was 30 by 40 feet (9 m × 12 m), with side walls 11 feet high. In the front of the Methodist Church interior of the building there was a low gallery, without handrails, for the use of slaves, who came to meetings with their masters." In 1845 St. Paul's was admitted into union with the Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky. In 1871 the cornerstone of the present St. Paul's was laid on the site of the old brick Methodist church. It is a Kentucky landmark designed by J. R. Neff. On a Sunday in August 1873, the bell in the tower first summoned parishioners to Morning Prayer. The cost of construction rose from $19,452 to over $33,000; the church was consecrated in 1888. Although the congregation continued to grow (by 1894 it was the largest parish in the Diocese), the vestry struggled with debt well into the twentieth century. The church and its people have weathered natural disasters of every magnitude, including an earthquake in 1880, the record-breaking Ohio River floods of 1884 and 1937, and the tornadoes of 1915 and 1986. Here worshipped Gen. James Taylor Jr., War of 1812; Henry Stanbery, who defended President Andrew Johnson at his impeachment trial, 1868; Brent Spence, 37 years in the United States Congress, a lifetime member.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church - New Albany, IN
Everglades Community Church - Everglades City, FL Text of the marker: This building was completed by April 1940 on land donated in May 1939 by the estate of Barron Gift Collier, founder of the county which bears his name and its largest landholder. The congregation at that time was Presbyterian, officially established in 1926, and had met in various places in the city. Before then, various visiting pastors served the area, the first being the Reverend George W. Gatewood in 1888. One condition of the gift of land was that the structure be erected before October 1, 1940 and that the church be non-denominational. Both conditions were met when the dedication ceremony took place on May 5th 1940. The town was a Collier company town with buildings constructed of ship lap siding, a tin roof and flooring made of Dade Country pine. A fellowship hall and breezeway to the southwest was added in the late 1950s. The digital carillon was installed in 1990 and chimes hourly. On September 4, 2007, Everglades City proclaimed the church to be historically preserved because it “provides links with the aspirations and attainments of the City’s pioneers and their descendants.” The bell tower and narthex were repaired in June 2008, as the first step in a complete restoration of the building.
Methodist Episcopal Church - La Grange, KY This church is listing #93 on the Central La Grange Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. Here is the text from this listing: 108 West Jefferson Street. 1888-89. Important as a landmark building in La Grange and as a representative example of a carefully detailed Victorian Church with Gothic Revival styling. This rectangular-plan gable-front brick church has a front corner entrance tower with a belfry and steeple. A large pointed arched stained glass window is located on the front façade and on each of the two side cross gables. Smaller stained glass windows, brick buttresses, and pointed-arched entrances complete the detailing. An education building attached to the rear of the church was added in 1913 and was altered and enlarged in 1953 and again in 1978. This church replaced an earlier brick church on the same site built in 1842.
First Methodist Church - Bloomfield, IN Built 1924, near the own square along US231
Calvary Baptist Church neon sign - Oklahoma City The neon sign for the Calvary Baptist Church in downtown Oklahoma City has been preserved by the Dan Davis law firm which now occupies the building.
United Pentecostal Church neon sign This neon sign is on display at the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati. It is an art deco porcelain enamel sign originally located in Shreveport, LA.
Presbyterian Church - Corydon, IN The congregation dates back to 1819, but this building was built in 1906. The congregation built a newer building in 1995. This building is now known as the Anna M. "VanZandt" Applegate Memorial Building. It is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Corydon Historic District.
Independent Presbyterian Church - Savannah, GA This church is part of the Savannah Historic District which is one of the National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States. From Wikipedia: The Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah on Bull Street in Savannah, GA, is the first Presbyterian church in Georgia, founded in 1755. Land for its first building was deeded by King George II of Great Britain for use by colonial adherents of the Church of Scotland. The first building burned down in 1796, and another modeled after St. Martin-in-the-Fields of London was built in 1800. This building burned down in 1889 and a reproduction was completed in 1891. Also of note, noted church hymn composer Lowell Mason was the organist here in the early 1800s. His popular hymns include “My Faith Looks Up to Thee,” “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “Nearer My God to Thee,” and “From Greenlands Icy Mountains.”
Independent Presbyterian Church (steeple) - Savannah, GA This church is part of the Savannah Historic District which is one of the National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States. From Wikipedia: The Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah on Bull Street in Savannah, GA, is the first Presbyterian church in Georgia, founded in 1755. Land for its first building was deeded by King George II of Great Britain for use by colonial adherents of the Church of Scotland. The first building burned down in 1796, and another modeled after St. Martin-in-the-Fields of Lonfon was built in 1800. This building burned down in 1889 and a reproduction was completed in 1891.
Maplesville United Methodist Church Built in 1871 and located in Chilton County, AL.
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church - Falmouth, KY If I'm reading it right, the congregation dates to 1840 and the building dates to 1872.
Christ Church Cathedral - Indianapolis Christ Church Cathedral Indianapolis on Wikipedia Christ Church Cathedral is the cathedral for the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis. Christ Church parish was formally organized in 1837. The present-day church building was erected in 1857 on Monument Circle at the center of downtown Indianapolis to replace the parish's first church built on the same site. Designed by architect William Tinsley, the English Gothic Revival-style structure is the oldest church building in Indianapolis and Marion County, Indiana, that has remained in continuous use. It is also the oldest building on Monument Circle. Christ Church is known for its music, especially its pipe organs, one of which was donated by Ruth Lilly, and its professional Choir of Men and Boys and Girls' Choir. The parish is also known for its community service, including an annual strawberry festival fundraiser and other charitable work. Christ Church Cathedral was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 10, 1973. It is located in the Washington Street-Monument Circle Historic District. William Tinley's early English Gothic-style design for Christ Church included a modified cruciform plan with the sanctuary in the east end and a main facade facing west. Its original red brick face was replaced with limestone. An octagonal spire capping the single tower on the southwest corner was added in 1869, ten years after the building's construction. The spire is crowned with a finial that included the letters Chi and Rho, the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ. The exterior also includes tall, Gothic Revival-style windows and a peaked roof. The main facade and both transept ends each have a set of three tall, narrow windows. Each of the gables on the front facade and transepts have bulls eye windows "with trefoil cusping." In 1900 the chancel was deepened to created a complete cruciform plan and an exterior porch (lychgate) was added to the church.
Mother of God Roman Catholic Church - Covington, KY This photo was taken from the Devou Park Overlook. From Wikipedia: Mother of God Parish (German: Mutter Gottes Kirche) is a parish church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington, Kentucky, United States, located at 119 West 6th Street in Covington. The official title of the parish is The Assumption of Mary, Mother of God, Parish. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It was also included in the Mutter Gottes Historic District which was listed on the National Register in 1980. This historic church features twin renaissance towers and murals by famous Vatican artist Johann Schmitt, an early teacher of Frank Duveneck, who was baptised in the parish in 1848. In the spring of 1842, the German congregation purchased a lot at the southwest corner of 6th and Washington streets. On this lot, a new church was constructed. Bishop Flaget of the Diocese of Louisville laid the cornerstone on April 14, 1842. The church was dedicated by the same bishop on October 10, 1842. The new church was brick and measured 100 x 50 feet. Transepts were added to the structure in 1851. By the late 1860s the church building, not yet 30 years old, was already overcrowded. Planning therefore began for the construction of a new Mother of God Church. The old church building was demolished and ground was broken for the new Italian Renaissance Revival structure. The cornerstone of the new church was set in place on July 3, 1870 and the building was dedicated on September 10, 1871. The new Mother of God Church sported a large portico supported by four Corinthian columns, two large towers and a central dome topped with a lantern and cupola. In 1875 a magnificent Koehnken Organ was installed in the church balcony. In 1891, the congregation celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the establishment of the parish. In preparation for this event, the interior of the church was completely remodeled. Additions included five large murals by Johann Schmitt, new hand-carved wood altars by the Schroder Brothers of Cincinnati and two imported stained glass windows from Mayer & Company of Munich. On March 10, 1986, a tornado swept through Covington damaging the cupola of Mother of God Church. The congregation quickly rallied to rebuild the structure. However, while the structure was being repaired, welders accidentally set the dome on fire. Ultimately, the building was restored to its 1890 appearance at a cost of over a million dollars. The parish school merged with St John School, St Ann School, and Sts Boniface And James School in 1984 to form Prince Of Peace Academy housed at St John.
Madison United Methodist Church
Footprints in the Sand - Carthage, TX Footprints in the Sand is a famous Christian Poem from the 1930s which describes the way Jesus picks up the narrator to help with his struggles in life. Sculptor Bob Harness read the poem in 2008 and wanted to turn it into a sculpture. After some fundraisers and local volunteer work, the memorial park opened August 19, 2014. The old man carried by Jesus is Willie George who donated money at the start of the project. The Bronze statue of Jesus is 14 feet tall atop a five foot pedestal. The path from the parking lot starts with two sets of footprints half of the way, with one set after Jesus carries the man.
Tyrrell Historical Library - Beaumont, TX en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrrell_Historical_Library The Tyrrell Historical Library is a public library in Beaumont, Texas. Originally built in 1903 to serve as the First Baptist Church, the building displays a mix of Richardsonian Romanesque and Victorian Gothic architectures, with pointed arch windows and quatrefoils, and all of its original stained glass. The building became vacant in 1923 when the congregation moved to a new location. It was bought by Captain W. C. Tyrrell, who donated the building to the city for use as its first public library. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and also as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. It is also a contributing property to the Downtown Historic District. After renovations, the library opened in 1926, serving as the main public library until 1974. Following construction of a new facility, this one was renamed as the "Tyrrell Historical Library," in honor of the philanthropist. It is the center repository of extensive genealogical archives and the library maintains a hallmark Texana collection. It was remodeled with systems upgrades in 1990. An addition was constructed in 2010, reflecting the main building's style without trying to recreate it.
First Baptist Church of Orange From the 1979 Historic Marker: In 1879 the Rev. Andrew Peddy helped organize this congregation with 18 charter members. They met in the frame Orange County courthouse and were served for a time by missionary preachers. Sarah A. Finch and Anna and L. L. Bettis deeded a lot in this block to the congregation in 1883. The following year a 40' X 60' meetinghouse was erected. In 1898, during the ministry of the Rev. J. T. Stanton, the congregation adopted the name "Green Avenue Baptist Church". This membership merged in 1909 with the eighth street baptist church to become "The First Baptist Church of Orange". Under the leadership of the Rev. J. Stuart Pearce, more land was acquired in 1913 and this brick sanctuary was in use by 1915. J. G. McMullen gave additional property for a new education building in 1939. As the congregation grew under the pastorate of Dr. Cooper Waters, additional land was purchased, and a second education building was constructed in 1952. The Viola McCorquodale building and fellowship hall were erected in 1958. This fellowship has helped establish the following Baptist churches: Cove, Little Cypress, Brownwood, Riverside, and Maplecrest
Wheeler Mission neon sign - Indianapolis Wheeler Mission is a Christian homeless shelter in downtown Indianapolis. The open Bible shaped neon sign with Jesus Saves and John 3:16 is located on Delaware St.
Oakland Baptist Church This abandoned church building is on the eastern side of Limestone County along Huntsville Brown's Ferry Rd.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Savannah, GA This church is listed as a National Historic Landmark as part of the Savannah Historic District. From Wikipedia: The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a Roman Catholic cathedral on Lafayette Square at 222 East Harris Street, Savannah, GA. It is the Mother Church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah. The colonial charter of Savannah prohibited Roman Catholics from settling in the city. The English trustees feared that Catholics would be more loyal to the Spanish authorities in Florida than to the English government in Georgia, however this prohibition faded shortly after the American Revolution. The church's congregation was reorganized about 1796. French Catholic émigrés established the first church in 1799 after they fled Haiti after slave rebellions that began on the Caribbean island in 1791. It became the main church for free blacks from Haiti in the early 19th century. Construction began on the new Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in 1873 and was completed with the addition of the spires in 1896. The structure was nearly destroyed by fire in 1898 but through diligent effort was rebuilt by 1899. The congregation constructed its first church on Liberty Square in 1779 and in 1811, choose a site on Drayton and Perry Streets for a larger building. Bishop John England of the Diocese of Charleston, which encompassed Savannah, consecrated the new church April 1, 1839. Pope Pius IX established the Diocese of Savannah in July 1850 and the congregation began to plan for a new cathedral on Lafayette Square in 1870 under Savannah's fourth Bishop, The Right Reverend Ignatius Persico. Most Reverend James Roosevelt Bayley, Archbishop of Baltimore, presided at the dedication of the Neo-Gothic sanctuary April 30, 1876. However, the brick structure lacked spires which were not added until 1896 when it also received a coating of stucco and whitewash. On February 6, 1898, a fire swept the building and left only the walls and towers, however the congregation quickly rebuilt and was able to celebrate Christmas Mass in the new facility in 1899. But again, the structure was not complete and interior decoration took an additional 13 years. Stained glass windows were installed around 1904. The parish undertook subsequent renovation projects in 1959-1965, which addressed heating, cooling and lighting systems and decoration; 1984-1985, to reinforce structural foundations and implement changes mandated by the Second Vatican Council and 1998-2000 to install new roofing, and restore the original interior color palate and decorations
Sacred Heart Church - Galveston, TX From the historic marker: The earliest Catholic services in the Galveston area were conducted in 1838. In 1884, as a result of the church's growth under the direction of such leaders as Bishop J.M. Odin, the Galveston Diocese established Sacred Heart as the fourth church on the island. Services for Sacred Heart Church were held in the St. Mary's University building until 1892, when the parish's first structure was completed. Designed by the noted Galveston architect Nicholas J. Clayton, it was destroyed in the 1900 hurricane. The present building, the second for the parish, was constructed in 1903-04 during the pastorate of the Rev. D.J. Murphy. A prominent landmark in the city, it features ornate octagonal towers, flying buttresses, elaborate ornamentation, and a variety of arches. The design reflects influences of the Moorish, Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque styles. The building's original dome, damaged in a 1915 hurricane, was redesigned by Nicholas Clayton. Sacred Heart Church has played a significant role in the growth and development of Galveston. Since the 1880s, many of the city's prominent business, professional, civic and religious leaders have been associated with the parish. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1981
Lutcher Memorial Church - Orange, TX Lutcher Memorial Church Building, now the First Presbyterian Church of Orange, Texas, is a historic church at 902 W. Green Avenue in Orange, Texas. It was built in 1912 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Henryville Community Presbyterian Church Henryville, IN along US31 in Clark County
St. Augustine Catholic Church - Lebanon, KY
First Baptist Church - Savannah, GA The First Baptist Church in Savannah at Chippewa Square dates back to 1833 with a remodel in 1922. It is one of the many listings in the Savannah Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church - Indianapolis en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mt._Pisgah_Lutheran_Church Mount Pisgah Lutheran Church, also known in its early years as the First Lutheran Church and First English Lutheran Church and more recently as The Sanctuary on Penn, is located at 701 North Pennsylvania Street in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The historic church was built by the city's first Lutheran congregation, which organized in 1837, and was its third house of worship. The former church, whose present-day name is The Sanctuary on Penn, is operated as a for-profit event venue. The red-brick structure is notable because it combined two styles of architecture, Late Gothic Revival and Romanesque Revival, which were popular styles for religious buildings in the late nineteenth century. The L-shaped church was built in two sections. The original chapel, which dates from 1874–75, is Late Gothic Revival-style building. The Romanesque Revival-style main sanctuary was completed in 1887 on a limestone foundation laid in 1875. The sanctuary features round-arched windows, a rose window, and brick buttresses with limestone caps. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
St. Mary's Catholic Church - Indianapolis From Wikipedia: St. Mary's Catholic Church (St. Marienkirche) is a Roman Catholic church in Indianapolis, Indiana. The German-speaking parish built their first church in 1858 to serve the city's growing German Catholic population. Services were initially conducted services in Latin and German and retained Old World traditions. The present church at the corner of New Jersey and Vermont streets was completed in 1912. Designed by architect Hermann J. Gaul in the late Gothic Revival style, it follows a cruciform plan modeled after the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Exterior: The church's façade is divided into three sections. The gabled two-story center section is flanked with symmetrical towers. The upper portion of the central gable contains a trefoil motif and finial. It also includes a statue of the Virgin Mary in a bracketed niche. The central portal is set between buttresses and the façade's central tympanum is filled with a relief sculpture of the Crucifixion. A frieze of blind arches flanks the doorway. Broad steps lead to the narthex. Gargoyles decorate the façade of the church at the entry portal and towers. The first three stories of the two four-story towers are square; the fourth story is octagonal in shape. Each tower is topped with a spire. The tympanum of the north tower depicts the birth of Christ; the south tower's tympanum depicts the Ascension of Jesus. Stone walls on each side of the church include buttresses with a vaulted arch over each bay. The end wall of each transept contains arched windows flanked with buttresses. The gable decoration on the south transept has a statue of Saint Henry set in a niche; the north transept niche holds a statue of Saint Boniface.
Little Chapel at Vandegriff Park - Fort Walton, FL Vandegriff Park is a very small park off of the Miracle Strip Parkway (US98) across from the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum. According to the sign above the door, the Little Chapel was the original office of the First Presbyterian Church in 1949.
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church - Indianapolis, Indiana From Wikipedia: Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in Indianapolis, IN. The parish’s origins date to 1837, when it was first named Holy Cross parish. In 1850 it was renamed Saint John the Evangelist parish, and is the oldest Catholic parish in the city and in Marion County, Indiana. Considered the mother of the Catholic parishes in Indianapolis, it played an important role in development of the Catholic Church in the city. Saint John's Church served as the pro-cathedral of the diocese from 1878 until 1906; its rectory served as the bishop's residence and chancery from 1878 until 1892. In 1900 the church served as the site of first episcopal consecration held in Indianapolis. Although many considered Saint John's a diocesan cathedral, it was never officially named as such. Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral remained the official cathedral and Vincennes, Indiana, as the see city for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Vincennes, Indiana, until March 28, 1898, when the episcopal see was transferred to Indianapolis and became the Diocese of Indianapolis. Diocesan functions continued to be held at Saint John's until Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral was built in 1906. Saint John's rectory continued to house the diocesan chancery until 1968, and served as the metropolitan tribunal for the diocese until 1982. Saint John's Church and rectory were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The present-day Saint John's Church, the parish’s third and the second one built on the Georgia Street property, is the main structure in a group of parish buildings on the southwest corner of Georgia Street and Capitol Avenue. Diedrich A. Bohlen, principal and founder of the Indianapolis architectural firm of D. A. Bohlen and Son, designed the rectory (1863), church (1867–71), and a rectory addition (1878). Bohlen's son, Oscar, designed the twin spires and supervised their construction in 1893. The red-brick church has an eclectic style, including elements of French Gothic Revival and American Romanesque Revival architecture. The sanctuary has a seating capacity of 3,000. It was the largest church in Indiana when the cornerstone was laid in 1867; it was dedicated on July 2, 1871.
St. John Catholic Church Rectory - Indianapolis, Indiana From Wikipedia: The rectory was built in two phases. The two-story east section was built in 1863. The three-story bishop's residence and chancery was built in 1879. The bishop's residence is attached to the rectory's east side. Both buildings face Georgia Street and are constructed of red brick laid in Flemish bond and trimmed in limestone. The 1863 building is constructed over a limestone foundation and includes a three-bay façade with steps leading to the entrance. The rectory's façade has a Flemish gable and a Tudor-Gothic arch that shelters the entrance door, sidelights, and transom. The 1879 addition is more Victorian in style. Its openings are arched, and the front façade features a two-story bay. A red-brick wall in Flemish bond separates the rectory and addition from Georgia Street.
Evergreen Baptist Church - Evergreen, AL The congregation dates back to 1845. The building was constructed in a Tudor Revival style and dedicated Feb. 2, 1908.
St. Michael's Catholic Church - Cannelton, IN St. Michael's Church was built in 1858-59 from native sandstone. The 156-foot spire includes a clock and four bells in the tower.
First Presbyterian Church - Harrisonburg, VA The First Presbyterian Church is on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing building to the Harrisonburg Downtown Historic District. The Gothic Revival building on the Court Square was built by J. S. Heatwole & Co. in 1907-08.
Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church - Selma, Alabama Uploaded in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2018. From Wikipedia: Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church is a church in Selma, AL. This church was a starting point for the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 and, as the meeting place and offices of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) during the Selma Movement, played a major role in the events that led to the adoption of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The nation's reaction to Selma's "Bloody Sunday" march is widely credited with making the passage of the Voting Rights Act politically viable in the United States Congress. It was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on June 16, 1976 and later declared a National Historic Landmark on February 4, 1982. For more of the story: npgallery.nps.gov/pdfhost/docs/NHLS/Text/82002009.pdf
St. Mary of the Annunciation Church - New Albany, IN Building dates to 1858.
Town Clock Church - New Albany, IN From Wikipedia: The Town Clock Church, now the Second Baptist Church of New Albany, Indiana, is a historic church located at 300 East Main Street, within the New Albany Downtown Historic District. It was constructed in 1852 as Second Presbyterian Church, in what was then the largest city in Indiana. It is near the Ohio River, across the border from Louisville, Kentucky. It was a station on the Underground Railroad. The church is brick, and is constructed in the Greek Revival style of architecture. It previously had a 160-foot high clock tower that could be seen by boat crews on the Ohio River. However, the tower has been shortened. The first phase of reconstruction is underway which will include a new steeple and clock faces. When reconstruction is complete, the tower will once again be 160 feet tall. Here is a story of the new steeple getting its new steeple in 2016: www.newsandtribune.com/news/floyd_county/after-years-new-... Hello to anyone who found this on the Indiana Landmarks web page: www.indianalandmarks.org/2018/04/new-albany-church-wins-c... New Albany Church Wins Cook Cup
Temple B’nai Sholom - Huntsville From the Alabama Historical Association marker: Huntsville's first Jewish citizens arrived during the 1840's. Congregation B'nai Sholom ("Sons of Peace") was founded July 30, 1876 by 32 families. They affiliated in 1877 with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the Reform Movement. Construction of the Temple began in 1898, and it was dedicated on November 26, 1899. Chairman of the Building Committee was Isaac Schiffman. Architecture is primarily of the Romanesque Revival style, with influences of the Renaissance Revival in the west front gable. The Temple was designed by architect R. H. Hunt of Chattanooga. Extensive restoration was completed in 1994. Temple B'nai Sholom is the oldest synagogue in Alabama in continuous use.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church - Cannelton, IN From Wikipedia: St. Luke's Episcopal Church is a historic Episcopal church located at Cannelton, Perry County, Indiana. It was built about 1845–1846, and is a rectangular Greek Revival style frame building with a gable roof. The church was lengthened by 17 feet in 1864. It features a three-story centered bell tower on the front facade. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It is located in the Cannelton Historic District.
Grant Street Church of Christ - Decatur, AL The congregation dates back to 1911 and the building was completed in 1925. www.grantstreetcoc.org/about-us/history
First Christian Church - Rome, GA This building was built in 1911-1912. All of the stone exterior was gifted to the congregation in the form of scrap marble, so a local stone mason had to fit all of the pieces together.
First Methodist Church - Athens, AL The First Methodist Church in Athens, AL was built in 1925 in a Neoclassical style. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the George S. Houston Historic District.
Episcopal Church of the Nativity - Huntsville, AL Episcopal Church of the Nativity is a church in Huntsville, AL. It was built in the Gothic Revival style in 1859. It is noted as one of the most pristine examples of Ecclesiological Gothic architecture in the South. It is also one of the least-altered structures by architect Frank Wills and one of only thirteen surviving houses of worship designed by him in the United States. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1990 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal
Ancient City Baptist Church - St. Augustine, FL Built 1895
St. Andrews Bay Methodist Episcopal Church Built in 1887, this is the oldest church in Bay County. It was the St. Andrews Bay Methodist Episcopal Church for 50 years and has changed denominations multiple times since then. It is stop #13 on the Historic St. Andrews walking tour: www.historicstandrews.com/historic-walking-tour/
First Presbyterian Church - Huntsville, AL First church built at this location in 1822. The current building was dedicated on May 18, 1860.
First United Methodist Church - Huntsville, AL According to the marker: Methodist Society organized at Hunt's Spring prior to formation of Madison County, served 1808-1820 by Flint Circuit traveling ministers. First church built 1821 NW corner Clinton and Gallatin streets. Present site acquired 1832, church completed 1834, occupied and accidentally burned by Federals 1864. Cornerstone laid 1867 for present sanctuary, dedicated 1874.
Central Presbyterian Church - Huntsville, AL From the historic marker: This church which had its origins in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was first mentioned in a meeting of the Prebytery on April 7, 1812. It became known as First Presbyterian Church of Huntsville, Alabama. In 1828 the first building was constructed on Greene Street north of Holmes Street. In 1845 a second building , designed by George Steele, was erected at this site. The present building was begun in 1899. In 1906 this church became known as the Central Presbyterian Church when united with the Presbyterian Church, USA.
Wightman Chapel - Scarritt College Scarritt College was a Christian college that was founded in 1892 and relocated to Nashville in 1924. Over the next few years, all of the central buildings on campus were built, including Wightman Chapel. These buildings were built using Crab Orchard stone from East Tennessee in a Collegiate Gothic architectural style. A few decades later when Nashville was at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement, Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke here on the role of churches to confront racism. After declining enrollment, the school closed in 1988. The property was purchased by the Women’s Division of the United Methodist Church. Today, the campus is known as the Scarritt Bennett Center and the Chapel is a popular wedding venue. The chapel was added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Scarritt College Historic District.
1832 Old Christ Church - Pensacola, FL One of the highlights of the Historic Pensacola Village is one of the oldest church buildings in Florida.
Sallie Howard Memorial Church - Mentone, AL Atop Lookout Mountain near Mentone, AL is a place where someone literally followed the passage in the gospel of Matthew, "Upon this rock I will build my church." Col. Milford Howard was born in 1862. In 1894, he was elected to the US House of Representatives from Alabama after writing a book entitled "If Christ Came to Congress." By 1908, he ran for President but failed to win the nomination of the Independence Party. in 1923, Howard moved to Hollywood where he produced, wrote and starred in a movie called "The Bishop of the Ozarks." Soon after the film was released, Milford's wife Sallie died. At the Los Angeles cemetery where she was buried, he was inspired by their chapel. After a brief second marriage and writing a book praising Fascism, he searched his vast Lookout Mountain property to find a rock he could build a church around. In the spring on 1937, construction began on the rustic church building that has a giant boulder at the pulpit. A quote from Sallie has been etched into a support beam, "God Has All Ways Been As Good To Me As I Would Let Him Be." The church was dedicated June 27, 1937. Milford died a few months later and his wish was for his ashes to be placed inside the rock.
East End United Methodist Church - Nashville Located on Holly St. in East Nashville
First Christian Church - Wytheville, VA Located along Lee Highway (US11/US21) in downtown Wytheville
Christiansburg Presbyterian Church According to the sign out front: Organized 1827, building erected 1853. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Christiansburg Downtown Historic District and later as its own listing. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christiansburg_Presbyterian_Church
Presbyterian Church - Trenton, KY Seen along Main St. (US41)
St. Paul's United Methodist Church - Wytheville, VA
Grace Episcopal Church - Hopkinsville, Ky en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Episcopal_Church_ Grace Episcopal Church is a historic Episcopal parish at 216 East 6th Street in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, United States. It was built in 1883 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Grace Episcopal Church's current building dates to 1883, when funds were gathered for its construction. It features English Gothic Revival architecture, which was popular at the time. John C. Latham Jr., a locally renowned philanthropist from Hopkinsville, financed the majority of the cost. To return this favor, Grace Church designed two stained glass windows in the nave to honor him and his mother, Virginia Glass Latham. Latham's generosity also extended to include the purchase of an Estey Organ for the sanctuary and a $50,000 endowment following his death in 1909.
Church in Princeton, KY Just off the town square, this old church was not labelled.
St. John's Episcopal Church - Wytheville, VA Designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this church was built in 1846. Located along Main St. in downtown Wytheville, it is also located along US11 and the old Lee Highway
Good Shepherd Catholic Church - Frankfort, KY Located in downtown Frankfort, this block is under construction. The Franklin County Courthouse next door is being expanded and the construction area extends around this old church building as well. I am not sure if this congregation is not still active or if they have a temporary meeting place.
First Baptist Church - Frankfort, KY There are two First Baptist Churches in Frankfort. There used to be only one but in 1833 the white members and the black members thought it would be best to separate. Later on, this building was completed in 1908. Both dates are engraved on the base of the steeple.
Friendship Community Church - Sheffield, AL I don't know anything about the history of this church building but I noticed there are Stars of David in the stained glass windows. I wonder if this used to be a Jewish Temple.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Wytheville, VA Seen along Main Street in downtown Wytheville. (The road is also the old Lee Highway, US11 and US21)
First General Assembly Site (Church of God of Prophecy) This historic site for the Church of God of Prophecy denomination is just a couple of miles and a turn from the Field of the Woods Bible Park Here is the text of the marker in the picture: First General Assembly 1906 This marker is placed here as a memorial of the First General Assembly of the Church of God this side of the Dark Ages. It was held January 26, 27, 1906, with A.J. Tomlinson as moderator. The twenty-one in attendance were: (I'm skipping all the names). Since the first assembly the Lord has blessed his church with tens of thousands of members throughout the U.S.A., the Isles of the sea and other countries. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." Acts 20:28 The Church of Prophecy Marker Association - Bible Place, Cleveland, Tenn. A.D. 1964.
First Presbyterian Church - Pulaski, VA According to their website: First Presbyterian Church is still housed in the Romanesque style church from 1924, and is listed as part of Pulaski's historic residential district on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic assets of the church include a vintage set of chimes that were recently restored.
First Presbyterian Church - Florence, AL The congregation dates back to 1818 and the origins of this building go back to 1824. The original exterior was retained when the building was enlarged in 1896
Fulton United Methodist Church Seen on US11 (Lee Highway) near Rural Retreat, VA in Smyth County.
Site of Historic Shearer Schoolhouse This is one of those things that I just happened to stumble across, without realizing I'd pass a spot of historic religiouse significance when driving down this particular back road. According to wikipedia: The Shearer Schoolhouse Revival was a religious phenomenon that occurred during a series of meetings conducted in the summer of 1896 in Cherokee County, North Carolina, United States. The revival was characterized by what participants believed to be the biblical experience of speaking in tongues. The group that hosted these worship gatherings eventually became known as the Church of God (Cleveland). This event predated the Azusa Street Revival (1906), which is generally held to be the event that started the Pentecostal Movement in the United States. This suggests the Azusa Revival can be seen as one of several similar religious phenomena happening at the same time. There is no doubt, however, that Azusa had a greater "impact" and is more widely known.
Cincinnati From Above #5: St. Johns Church For those of us that have a greater love of photography than a fear of heights, there is a popular observation deck in downtown Cincinnati. Carew Tower is a 49 story, 574-foot skyscraper that was the tallest in town until 2010. For a couple of dollars, visitors can take an elevator up to about the 47th floor, then walk to anotehr elevator which goes the last part of the way where you can walk around the roof. From here, on a clear day you can see for miles. This series of 20 photos was taken in 2007 back when my camera had a 10X optical zoom. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Paul_Church_(Over_the_Rhine)
Cincinnati From Above #10: Covenant First Presbyterian Church For those of us that have a greater love of photography than a fear of heights, there is a popular observation deck in downtown Cincinnati. Carew Tower is a 49 story, 574-foot skyscraper that was the tallest in town until 2010. For a couple of dollars, visitors can take an elevator up to about the 47th floor, then walk to anotehr elevator which goes the last part of the way where you can walk around the roof. From here, on a clear day you can see for miles. This series of 20 photos was taken in 2007 back when my camera had a 10X optical zoom. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenant_First_Presbyterian_Church
Cincinnati From Above #13: Apostolic Bethlehem Temple Church en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolic_Bethlehem_Temple_Church For those of us that have a greater love of photography than a fear of heights, there is a popular observation deck in downtown Cincinnati. Carew Tower is a 49 story, 574-foot skyscraper that was the tallest in town until 2010. For a couple of dollars, visitors can take an elevator up to about the 47th floor, then walk to anotehr elevator which goes the last part of the way where you can walk around the roof. From here, on a clear day you can see for miles. This series of 20 photos was taken in 2007 back when my camera had a 10X optical zoom.
Cincinnati From Above #19: St. Francis Church For those of us that have a greater love of photography than a fear of heights, there is a popular observation deck in downtown Cincinnati. Carew Tower is a 49 story, 574-foot skyscraper that was the tallest in town until 2010. For a couple of dollars, visitors can take an elevator up to about the 47th floor, then walk to anotehr elevator which goes the last part of the way where you can walk around the roof. From here, on a clear day you can see for miles. This series of 20 photos was taken in 2007 back when my camera had a 10X optical zoom.
Cincinnati From Above #20: Holy Cross Monastery and Chapel For those of us that have a greater love of photography than a fear of heights, there is a popular observation deck in downtown Cincinnati. Carew Tower is a 49 story, 574-foot skyscraper that was the tallest in town until 2010. For a couple of dollars, visitors can take an elevator up to about the 47th floor, then walk to anotehr elevator which goes the last part of the way where you can walk around the roof. From here, on a clear day you can see for miles. This series of 20 photos was taken in 2007 back when my camera had a 10X optical zoom. This Catholic Monastery was built atop Mt. Adams en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Cross_Monastery_and_Chapel
First United Methodist Church - Florence, AL
Senoia Methodist Church Senoia, GA
Field of the Woods Bible Park 1: World's Largest Ten Commandments Field of the Woods Bible Park reminds me that they don't build tourist attractions like they used to. The park is best known for the World's Largest Ten Commandments, but the Christian imagery runs throughout the park. The park started in 1945 and was considered an outreach ministry by the Church of God of Prophecy denomination (which had its origins less than five miles away). Most people come to see the 300-foot wide Ten Commandments which is laid out on the side of a hill. The best vantage point is to climb the hill on the other side of the parking lot so you can get the whole perspective. Or, if you're in good shape you could climb the 350 steps to the top where there is a giant Bible which doubles as an observation deck. There are plenty of other things to see while you're there, most of which were added during the first decade of the park's operation. When you climb the other hill to get the best view of the Ten Commandments, you're climbing Prayer Mountain and along the way there are several headstone shaped markers which explain some of the Bible's basic principles. Next, there's a replica tomb of Jesus that includes at the entrance a replica of the stone to be rolled away. In the middle of the parking lot is what looks like a radio tower topped by a giant star which is an information booth that probably hasn't been used for decades. There's also a baptismal pool, a decent gift shop, an old missionary's airplane, the All Nations Cross, the curator's residence and a bunch of other random monuments and messages. One other highlight of the park is a replica Golgotha which is where Jesus was crucified between two criminals. If you think the Golgotha vaguely resembles a face - it does. Golgotha translates to "Place of the Skull." When you view their Golgotha from atop the observation deck you'll notice the shrubs in front of Golgotha are arranged to spell out "JESUS DIED FOR OUR SINS." I first learned of this place about 20 years ago when my parents stopped by on a trip through western North Carolina. I finally had my chance to visit recently when I went tent camping at a place nearby. Not as many people stop by as they used to. (In one of my pictures, you can see my car is the only one in the parking lot.) If I understood the guy in the gift shop properly, the Church of God doesn't fund it the way they used to, so there's no telling how long they'll remain open. So, if this is the type of place you'd really like to visit, I'd recommend sooner rather than later. See all of my photos in this set here: www.flickr.com/photos/brent_nashville/tags/fieldofthewood... Hello to anyone who found this here: www.buzzfeed.com/mjkiebus/where-in-the-us-are-these-bizar...
Field of the Woods Bible Park 2: View from Observation Deck Field of the Woods Bible Park reminds me that they don't build tourist attractions like they used to. The park is best known for the World's Largest Ten Commandments, but the Christian imagery runs throughout the park. The park started in 1945 and was considered an outreach ministry by the Church of God of Prophecy denomination (which had its origins less than five miles away). Most people come to see the 300-foot wide Ten Commandments which is laid out on the side of a hill. The best vantage point is to climb the hill on the other side of the parking lot so you can get the whole perspective. Or, if you're in good shape you could climb the 350 steps to the top where there is a giant Bible which doubles as an observation deck. There are plenty of other things to see while you're there, most of which were added during the first decade of the park's operation. When you climb the other hill to get the best view of the Ten Commandments, you're climbing Prayer Mountain and along the way there are several headstone shaped markers which explain some of the Bible's basic principles. Next, there's a replica tomb of Jesus that includes at the entrance a replica of the stone to be rolled away. In the middle of the parking lot is what looks like a radio tower topped by a giant star which is an information booth that probably hasn't been used for decades. There's also a baptismal pool, a decent gift shop, an old missionary's airplane, the All Nations Cross, the curator's residence and a bunch of other random monuments and messages. One other highlight of the park is a replica Golgotha which is where Jesus was crucified between two criminals. If you think the Golgotha vaguely resembles a face - it does. Golgotha translates to "Place of the Skull." When you view their Golgotha from atop the observation deck you'll notice the shrubs in front of Golgotha are arranged to spell out "JESUS DIED FOR OUR SINS." I first learned of this place about 20 years ago when my parents stopped by on a trip through western North Carolina. I finally had my chance to visit recently when I went tent camping at a place nearby. Not as many people stop by as they used to. (In one of my pictures, you can see my car is the only one in the parking lot.) If I understood the guy in the gift shop properly, the Church of God doesn't fund it the way they used to, so there's no telling how long they'll remain open. So, if this is the type of place you'd really like to visit, I'd recommend sooner rather than later.
Field of the Woods Bible Park 3: Golgotha as seen from the Observation Deck Field of the Woods Bible Park reminds me that they don't build tourist attractions like they used to. The park is best known for the World's Largest Ten Commandments, but the Christian imagery runs throughout the park. The park started in 1945 and was considered an outreach ministry by the Church of God of Prophecy denomination (which had its origins less than five miles away). Most people come to see the 300-foot wide Ten Commandments which is laid out on the side of a hill. The best vantage point is to climb the hill on the other side of the parking lot so you can get the whole perspective. Or, if you're in good shape you could climb the 350 steps to the top where there is a giant Bible which doubles as an observation deck. There are plenty of other things to see while you're there, most of which were added during the first decade of the park's operation. When you climb the other hill to get the best view of the Ten Commandments, you're climbing Prayer Mountain and along the way there are several headstone shaped markers which explain some of the Bible's basic principles. Next, there's a replica tomb of Jesus that includes at the entrance a replica of the stone to be rolled away. In the middle of the parking lot is what looks like a radio tower topped by a giant star which is an information booth that probably hasn't been used for decades. There's also a baptismal pool, a decent gift shop, an old missionary's airplane, the All Nations Cross, the curator's residence and a bunch of other random monuments and messages. One other highlight of the park is a replica Golgotha which is where Jesus was crucified between two criminals. If you think the Golgotha vaguely resembles a face - it does. Golgotha translates to "Place of the Skull." When you view their Golgotha from atop the observation deck you'll notice the shrubs in front of Golgotha are arranged to spell out "JESUS DIED FOR OUR SINS." I first learned of this place about 20 years ago when my parents stopped by on a trip through western North Carolina. I finally had my chance to visit recently when I went tent camping at a place nearby. Not as many people stop by as they used to. (In one of my pictures, you can see my car is the only one in the parking lot.) If I understood the guy in the gift shop properly, the Church of God doesn't fund it the way they used to, so there's no telling how long they'll remain open. So, if this is the type of place you'd really like to visit, I'd recommend sooner rather than later.
Field of the Woods Bible Park 4: Replica of Jesus's Tomb Field of the Woods Bible Park reminds me that they don't build tourist attractions like they used to. The park is best known for the World's Largest Ten Commandments, but the Christian imagery runs throughout the park. The park started in 1945 and was considered an outreach ministry by the Church of God of Prophecy denomination (which had its origins less than five miles away). Most people come to see the 300-foot wide Ten Commandments which is laid out on the side of a hill. The best vantage point is to climb the hill on the other side of the parking lot so you can get the whole perspective. Or, if you're in good shape you could climb the 350 steps to the top where there is a giant Bible which doubles as an observation deck. There are plenty of other things to see while you're there, most of which were added during the first decade of the park's operation. When you climb the other hill to get the best view of the Ten Commandments, you're climbing Prayer Mountain and along the way there are several headstone shaped markers which explain some of the Bible's basic principles. Next, there's a replica tomb of Jesus that includes at the entrance a replica of the stone to be rolled away. In the middle of the parking lot is what looks like a radio tower topped by a giant star which is an information booth that probably hasn't been used for decades. There's also a baptismal pool, a decent gift shop, an old missionary's airplane, the All Nations Cross, the curator's residence and a bunch of other random monuments and messages. One other highlight of the park is a replica Golgotha which is where Jesus was crucified between two criminals. If you think the Golgotha vaguely resembles a face - it does. Golgotha translates to "Place of the Skull." When you view their Golgotha from atop the observation deck you'll notice the shrubs in front of Golgotha are arranged to spell out "JESUS DIED FOR OUR SINS." I first learned of this place about 20 years ago when my parents stopped by on a trip through western North Carolina. I finally had my chance to visit recently when I went tent camping at a place nearby. Not as many people stop by as they used to. (In one of my pictures, you can see my car is the only one in the parking lot.) If I understood the guy in the gift shop properly, the Church of God doesn't fund it the way they used to, so there's no telling how long they'll remain open. So, if this is the type of place you'd really like to visit, I'd recommend sooner rather than later.
Field of the Woods Bible Park 5: Information Tower Field of the Woods Bible Park reminds me that they don't build tourist attractions like they used to. The park is best known for the World's Largest Ten Commandments, but the Christian imagery runs throughout the park. The park started in 1945 and was considered an outreach ministry by the Church of God of Prophecy denomination (which had its origins less than five miles away). Most people come to see the 300-foot wide Ten Commandments which is laid out on the side of a hill. The best vantage point is to climb the hill on the other side of the parking lot so you can get the whole perspective. Or, if you're in good shape you could climb the 350 steps to the top where there is a giant Bible which doubles as an observation deck. There are plenty of other things to see while you're there, most of which were added during the first decade of the park's operation. When you climb the other hill to get the best view of the Ten Commandments, you're climbing Prayer Mountain and along the way there are several headstone shaped markers which explain some of the Bible's basic principles. Next, there's a replica tomb of Jesus that includes at the entrance a replica of the stone to be rolled away. In the middle of the parking lot is what looks like a radio tower topped by a giant star which is an information booth that probably hasn't been used for decades. There's also a baptismal pool, a decent gift shop, an old missionary's airplane, the All Nations Cross, the curator's residence and a bunch of other random monuments and messages. One other highlight of the park is a replica Golgotha which is where Jesus was crucified between two criminals. If you think the Golgotha vaguely resembles a face - it does. Golgotha translates to "Place of the Skull." When you view their Golgotha from atop the observation deck you'll notice the shrubs in front of Golgotha are arranged to spell out "JESUS DIED FOR OUR SINS." I first learned of this place about 20 years ago when my parents stopped by on a trip through western North Carolina. I finally had my chance to visit recently when I went tent camping at a place nearby. Not as many people stop by as they used to. (In one of my pictures, you can see my car is the only one in the parking lot.) If I understood the guy in the gift shop properly, the Church of God doesn't fund it the way they used to, so there's no telling how long they'll remain open. So, if this is the type of place you'd really like to visit, I'd recommend sooner rather than later.
Field of the Woods Bible Park 6: Golgotha Field of the Woods Bible Park reminds me that they don't build tourist attractions like they used to. The park is best known for the World's Largest Ten Commandments, but the Christian imagery runs throughout the park. The park started in 1945 and was considered an outreach ministry by the Church of God of Prophecy denomination (which had its origins less than five miles away). Most people come to see the 300-foot wide Ten Commandments which is laid out on the side of a hill. The best vantage point is to climb the hill on the other side of the parking lot so you can get the whole perspective. Or, if you're in good shape you could climb the 350 steps to the top where there is a giant Bible which doubles as an observation deck. There are plenty of other things to see while you're there, most of which were added during the first decade of the park's operation. When you climb the other hill to get the best view of the Ten Commandments, you're climbing Prayer Mountain and along the way there are several headstone shaped markers which explain some of the Bible's basic principles. Next, there's a replica tomb of Jesus that includes at the entrance a replica of the stone to be rolled away. In the middle of the parking lot is what looks like a radio tower topped by a giant star which is an information booth that probably hasn't been used for decades. There's also a baptismal pool, a decent gift shop, an old missionary's airplane, the All Nations Cross, the curator's residence and a bunch of other random monuments and messages. One other highlight of the park is a replica Golgotha which is where Jesus was crucified between two criminals. If you think the Golgotha vaguely resembles a face - it does. Golgotha translates to "Place of the Skull." When you view their Golgotha from atop the observation deck you'll notice the shrubs in front of Golgotha are arranged to spell out "JESUS DIED FOR OUR SINS." I first learned of this place about 20 years ago when my parents stopped by on a trip through western North Carolina. I finally had my chance to visit recently when I went tent camping at a place nearby. Not as many people stop by as they used to. (In one of my pictures, you can see my car is the only one in the parking lot.) If I understood the guy in the gift shop properly, the Church of God doesn't fund it the way they used to, so there's no telling how long they'll remain open. So, if this is the type of place you'd really like to visit, I'd recommend sooner rather than later.
Field of the Woods Bible Park 7: Prayer Mountain Field of the Woods Bible Park reminds me that they don't build tourist attractions like they used to. The park is best known for the World's Largest Ten Commandments, but the Christian imagery runs throughout the park. The park started in 1945 and was considered an outreach ministry by the Church of God of Prophecy denomination (which had its origins less than five miles away). Most people come to see the 300-foot wide Ten Commandments which is laid out on the side of a hill. The best vantage point is to climb the hill on the other side of the parking lot so you can get the whole perspective. Or, if you're in good shape you could climb the 350 steps to the top where there is a giant Bible which doubles as an observation deck. There are plenty of other things to see while you're there, most of which were added during the first decade of the park's operation. When you climb the other hill to get the best view of the Ten Commandments, you're climbing Prayer Mountain and along the way there are several headstone shaped markers which explain some of the Bible's basic principles. Next, there's a replica tomb of Jesus that includes at the entrance a replica of the stone to be rolled away. In the middle of the parking lot is what looks like a radio tower topped by a giant star which is an information booth that probably hasn't been used for decades. There's also a baptismal pool, a decent gift shop, an old missionary's airplane, the All Nations Cross, the curator's residence and a bunch of other random monuments and messages. One other highlight of the park is a replica Golgotha which is where Jesus was crucified between two criminals. If you think the Golgotha vaguely resembles a face - it does. Golgotha translates to "Place of the Skull." When you view their Golgotha from atop the observation deck you'll notice the shrubs in front of Golgotha are arranged to spell out "JESUS DIED FOR OUR SINS." I first learned of this place about 20 years ago when my parents stopped by on a trip through western North Carolina. I finally had my chance to visit recently when I went tent camping at a place nearby. Not as many people stop by as they used to. (In one of my pictures, you can see my car is the only one in the parking lot.) If I understood the guy in the gift shop properly, the Church of God doesn't fund it the way they used to, so there's no telling how long they'll remain open. So, if this is the type of place you'd really like to visit, I'd recommend sooner rather than later.
Field of the Woods Bible Park 8: Large Bible Observation Deck Field of the Woods Bible Park reminds me that they don't build tourist attractions like they used to. The park is best known for the World's Largest Ten Commandments, but the Christian imagery runs throughout the park. The park started in 1945 and was considered an outreach ministry by the Church of God of Prophecy denomination (which had its origins less than five miles away). Most people come to see the 300-foot wide Ten Commandments which is laid out on the side of a hill. The best vantage point is to climb the hill on the other side of the parking lot so you can get the whole perspective. Or, if you're in good shape you could climb the 350 steps to the top where there is a giant Bible which doubles as an observation deck. There are plenty of other things to see while you're there, most of which were added during the first decade of the park's operation. When you climb the other hill to get the best view of the Ten Commandments, you're climbing Prayer Mountain and along the way there are several headstone shaped markers which explain some of the Bible's basic principles. Next, there's a replica tomb of Jesus that includes at the entrance a replica of the stone to be rolled away. In the middle of the parking lot is what looks like a radio tower topped by a giant star which is an information booth that probably hasn't been used for decades. There's also a baptismal pool, a decent gift shop, an old missionary's airplane, the All Nations Cross, the curator's residence and a bunch of other random monuments and messages. One other highlight of the park is a replica Golgotha which is where Jesus was crucified between two criminals. If you think the Golgotha vaguely resembles a face - it does. Golgotha translates to "Place of the Skull." When you view their Golgotha from atop the observation deck you'll notice the shrubs in front of Golgotha are arranged to spell out "JESUS DIED FOR OUR SINS." I first learned of this place about 20 years ago when my parents stopped by on a trip through western North Carolina. I finally had my chance to visit recently when I went tent camping at a place nearby. Not as many people stop by as they used to. (In one of my pictures, you can see my car is the only one in the parking lot.) If I understood the guy in the gift shop properly, the Church of God doesn't fund it the way they used to, so there's no telling how long they'll remain open. So, if this is the type of place you'd really like to visit, I'd recommend sooner rather than later.
The Island Cross - Pensacola Beach, FL This cross marks the site of the first religious service in the Pensacola area, which was a mass celebrated on Aug. 15, 1559 here at Santa Rosa Island. It was the Feast of the Assumption by the Dominican Friars who accompanied Tristan De Luna. The Cross was placed atop the dune at the Quadricentennial Celebration in 1959. The cross is ten feet tall, made of concrete and dedicated by the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus. Since then, the cross has become a local landmark and is notable for surviving multiple hurricanes where many other nearby buildings haven't. (For instance, a corresponding marker at the base of the dune was blown away by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and rededicated in 2006.)
Versailles Methodist Church Located along the Versialles, KY town square behind and to the side of the Woodford County Courthouse.
St. Philips Evangelical Lutheran Church - Senoia, GA This building dates back to 1911when it was built to be the sister church to Mt. Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church in Haralson. Today, it is the Senoia Church of God of Prophecy.
First United Methodist Church - Murphy, NC This beautiful building is located at a sharp curve along US19 near the heart of Murphy.
The Colonel's Mandolin Band LP Favorite Old Church Hymns recorded by The Colonel's Mandolin Band for the glorification of Christ. This vintage record album was seen at the mini-museum inside of the first KFC, otherwise known as Sanders Cafe, in Corbin, KY. Personally, I prefer the beauty of the human voice, but I bet I would find this album quite interesting. More than anything, just seeing this reminds me how the times have changed. Today, is there any well-known fast food chain other than Chik-Fil-A that would attempt such a recording?
Salem Presbyterian Church - Salem, VA Located along Main St. (US11/460) in Salem near the central business district. The church dates back to 1852 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
St. John's Episcopal Church - Tuscumbia, AL from the historical marker: This congregation was organized in the 1830s, with services being held in private homes and the Methodist meeting house. The present building was first used in October 1852 and completed the following year. During the Civil War, Union troops occupied the church and destroyed some of the parish records. St. John's is an early example of the "Carpenter's Gothic" style popular for many Episcopal churches during the mid-19th century. Damaged by a tornado in 1874, the church afterward was refurbished and strengthened with iron tie-rods spanning the nave. Memorial windows also were installed. Concrete buttresses were added in 1956. A tall spire originally topped the bell-tower.
Christiansburg, VA Baptist Church The building is located along US11 (Lee Highway) in the old commercial district of Christiansburg. The congregation has since moved to another building, so this one was for sale as of a year ago when I took this picture.
St. Andrew's By-the-Sea Episcopal Church seen along US98 in Destin, FL
First Baptist Church - Jackson, MS Facing the lawn of the Mississippi State Capitol in downtown Jackson, this church building opened in 1926.
Wood Avenue Church of Christ Florence, AL. The building dates to 1970. woodavenue.com/main/index.php
St. Paul's Evangelical and Reformed Church This church building was consturcted in 1927 in the Old Southwest neighborhood of Roanoke, VA with services conducted here until 1964. For the next 3 and a half decades, it served as a studio and office for an interior design firm. Recently, it became the Sanctuary at Five Points, to be an event venue.
Calvary Fellowship - Florence, AL
St. Paul's German Evangelical Church - Louisville, Ky Located at 213 E. Broadway in downtown Louisville, this church building was built in 1906 in a late Gothic Revival style. Built primarily of stone, there are two double-door entrances and several stained glass pointed arch windows. This and the Parish House to the right were added to the National Register of Historic Places. By the looks of it, it hasn't been used as a church for a while. In fact, there's a for rent sign out front. With the proximity to UL Hospital and campus, the target of the for rent sign is to use the building as medical office space.
Lookout Mountain Methodist Church
St. Andrews & Hotel Roanoke as seen from Mill Mountain In Roanoke, the best view of the city is provided at Mill Mountain, where you can also walk around the base of the Roanoke Star. From the observation deck, I brought out my best telephoto lens to zoom in on downtown. St. Andrews Catholic Church is the gothic church building at the top. The historic Hotel Roanoke is the widest building in the middle. Across the bottom, you can see glimpses of the old N&W passenger station, the Taubman Museum of Art and the old Market Square building.
Hillsville Christian Church
St. Francis Catholic Church - Jefferson, NC Along Main St. in Jefferson, NC (old US221)
Hodgenville Christian Church Located along Main Street right at the edge of the town square. Like it says on the front, the church building dates to 1877. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jefferson, NC United Methodist Church West Jefferson, NC
Valle Crucis Methodist Church Valle Crucis, NC
St. Catherine Catholic Church - New Haven, KY This Church Building is seen along Main St. (US 31E) in New Haven, KY
St. Andrews Catholic Church - Roanoke, VA This interesting Gothic structure was built in 1902 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can read the whole history here. www.sayitontheweb.com/~andrew/history.php Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/14-churches-in-va/ These 14 Amazing Churches In Virginia Are Beyond Beautiful
St. Andrews Catholic Church (Ver.B) - Roanoke, VA This interesting Gothic structure was built in 1902 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can read the whole history here. www.sayitontheweb.com/~andrew/history.php
St. Andrews Catholic Church at Night - Roanoke, VA This interesting Gothic structure was built in 1902 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can read the whole history here. www.sayitontheweb.com/~andrew/history.php
First Christian Church - Roanoke, VA
Christ Episcopal Church - Pulaski, VA The congregation dates back to 1875, making it the oldest in the city. The building, built by the edge of the town's downtown river had it's first service in 1909. The building is also along US11, which used to be the Dixie Highway I found this amusing paragraph from the church's history on their website: After the nineteenth Amendment, Prohibition, was passed, there resulted in Christ Church the "Communion Wine Incident" which was the talk of the town for years. No storage of communion wine at church. ,Altar chairwoman brought it from home, In a rush she reached into the cabinet and brought out the wrong bottle. The Rector did not know "white Lightening" but his parishioners did and as the story goes they were too shocked and chocking too much to stop the service.
Christ Episcopal Church - Pulaski, VA The congregation dates back to 1875, making it the oldest in the city. The building, built by the edge of the town's downtown river had it's first service in 1909. I found this amusing paragraph from the church's history on their website: After the nineteenth Amendment, Prohibition, was passed, there resulted in Christ Church the "Communion Wine Incident" which was the talk of the town for years. No storage of communion wine at church. ,Altar chairwoman brought it from home, In a rush she reached into the cabinet and brought out the wrong bottle. The Rector did not know "white Lightening" but his parishioners did and as the story goes they were too shocked and chocking too much to stop the service.
Pleasant Hill Lutheran Church - Groseclose, VA North of Marion, VA along US 11 (the old Dixie Highway) not far from Rural Retreat
Millwald Theater - Wytheville, VA The Millwald Theater was built with an Art Deco exterior, and I believe it opened in 1928 right in the middle of Wytheville. Since 2006, the property has been a church.
Topeco Church of the Brethren South of Floyd, VA along US221
Mount Carmel United Methodist Church North of Marion, VA along the ole Lee Highway (US11)
West Jefferson, NC First Baptist Church
One of two similar churches in KY: Mt. Union Church Every once in a while during my backroad driving, I'll see an old country church and then a few miles later I'll see another that is very similar. In these instances, I assume the second congregation liked the first one so much they had to have a similar building. This and the other one aren't identical, but they both have expanded on the A frame idea with the pyramid topped tower with diamond window on either side of the main entrance. Both are on Old US231 between Bowling Green and Scottsville.
One of two similar churches in KY: New Bethel UMC Every once in a while during my backroad driving, I'll see an old country church and then a few miles later I'll see another that is very similar. In these instances, I assume the second congregation liked the first one so much they had to have a similar building. This and the other one aren't identical, but they both have expanded on the A frame idea with the pyramid topped tower with diamond window on either side of the main entrance. Both are on Old US231 between Bowling Green and Scottsville.
Bardstown, KY Methodist Church This church was built in 1856 after the congregations first two buildings burned down. In 1892, the Gothic windows and belfry were added.
St. Helens Cathoilc Church - Glasgow, KY
Episcopal Church of the Ascension Located in the downtown area of Bardstown, KY and is a neat building. However, the church must not be important enough to be one of the 48 listings on the Bardstown Walking Tour brochure.
First Baptist Church - Bristol, VA The congregation was established in 1859 and this building built in 1904. This is located along State St. just past the historic Bristol sign.
Embry Chapel AME Church - Elizabethtown, KY Built in 1865 as the Embry Chapel AME Church. Apparently, the congregation decided to relocate to a new building. As of 2006, this is now "The Mulberry" wedding chapel. (It's on Mulberry St.) The Building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral Built in 1816 a couple of blocks west of the Bardstown, KY town square. It was the first Catholic Cathedral built west of the Alleghenies. (Proto means first, as in the word prototype.) Architect John Rogers used native trees and clay for the bricks and pillars. On the inside, paintings given by nobles of France and Italy are displayed. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/kentucky/beautiful-churches-kentu... These 15 Beautiful Churches In Kentucky Will Leave You Speechless
First Presbyterian Church - Bardstown, KY Built Circa 1827
Royal Oak Presbyterian Church - Marion, VA Located in the heart of Marion, VA - along the Lee Highway / US11
St. Vincent de Paul Chapel This is the Church building on the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth campus. The Catholic campus is located just outside of Bardstown, KY in Nelson County
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Motherhouse This is the statue in the center of the top story of the campus Motherhouse After searching through their website, I can't find who is depicted in this statue unless it is St. Vincent de Paul, who the nearby church building was named after.
Salvation Army marker Near the steps of the Louisville Court House
Church halfway up the hill Tuckasegee Wesleyan Church Tuckasegee, NC seen along highway NC107
State Street United Methodist Church. Bowling Green, KY I think it's somewhere in the vicinity of State and 11th.
Church of the Ascension Episcopal church formed in 1844 - Cartersville, GA
Church in Adairsville, GA
Presbyterian Chuch in Bowling Green, KY
Old church, Russellville, KY along old Business US431
Franklin First United Methodist Church Franklin, KY - along the town square
Franklin Presbyterian Church I usually don't try to do this with my shots, so I'm not really sure if the glow-of-the-sun/silhouette effect worked or not. Any opinions? I'm open to constructivie criticisms. On the town square of Franklin, KY
100 Things to see at the fair #67: Copper art I had a unique opportunity to spend several days at the 2008 Tennessee State Fair. There was so much to see, it will take 100 images to get it all in. In the same corner of the creative arts building that had the leathercraft, also had art etched from copper, such as The Last Supper seen as the winner here.
Christ Church Cathedral tower Cincinnati, OH downtown on 4th St.
The Church in the Rock The Sallie Howard Memorial Church in Mentone, AL (on Lookout Mtn.) built the end of the church into a large boulder
Country Church - Mt. Olivet, KY Along US 62
Tilt Shift Mini Fake: Pittsburgh Church Building I am experimenting with Tilt Shift Miniature Fakes. I think the idea here was good, but the result didn't work as well as I had hoped. (possibly because it was a 10x zoom, or maybe because it wasn't sunny) This is some random church I don't know in Pittsburgh. Hello to anyone who found this as the photo of the day here: www.gadling.com/2008/10/07/photo-of-the-day-10-7-08/
St. Mary of the Mount This Catholic church overlooks downtown Pittsburgh from Mt. Washington
Collapsed Church Building, Cincinnati This is all that remains of a church builing along US Highway 25 in Cincinnati, Ohio. This is the Walnut Hills Presbyterian Church and on the National Register of Historic Places.
