Grace Episcopal, as its known, is aptly named as it’s a graceful building, beckoning warmly to those who pass by. Its intriguing exterior sucks you in and begs you to walk inside the gate.
Even the fence and gates have character.
I love the little birds in the ironwork. Seriously, how charming is that?
*It’s actually the oldest church structure in our city. The original Episcopal Church was damaged during the Civil War when it was used as a hospital, so a new church was built after the war. Church history has it that the New York architect who designed it, Henry Congdon, drew up two sets of plans, one more expensive than the other. Church leaders intended to use the cheaper of plans but the wrong set of blueprints was used, leading to a larger more expensive church than expected. The church was eventually finished, but it took years to furnish it and for a long time the congregation used the old pews damaged by the mules and horses of Union soldiers. Its bell tower is one of its most beautiful assets, I think.
The old Carnegie library which burned in the mid-60’s left an empty lot next door which is now a church garden. It’s where I photographed Mama J. and Papa T. recently and is a lovely place to sit and meditate.
When snapping these pictures there, I met the gardener, John, and he takes his work very seriously. What a wonderful gentleman he was. It’s as if he understands the pull that building has on passersby and his role in preserving it. As a resident of this community I appreciate that. As a wanna be photographer, I really appreciate it.
*Source: Portrait of a River Town by Richard Holland
