I like old country churches. These’s a lot of them around. Some have been abandoned, and newer, larger buildings built for an ever growing congregation. Others are still in use, and have served their communities for many decades.
The back road photographer shouldn’t have too much trouble finding one or two to photograph. Every state and county has them. Most of us are familiar with at least a few. Those are good places to start, but online maps, like Google, often show locations, both still in use and abandoned. Place names can offer a clue, but my favorite method of finding old churches is to start driving on a back road that I’ve never traveled before.
All old churches have a history, and many people like to spend time researching a special place of worship that they have found and photographed in their travels. I’m often asked about the history of a particular church that I’ve shot, and sometimes I don’t have an answer, simply because if I researched them all, I would be doing little else. The internet, on-line forums and special interest groups can help supply some of that information.
I like finding the old weather-beaten churches that have seen better days. Sometimes, they have a cemetery attached, which can be a great place to learn about the people and history of a community. Once in a while, I’m lucky enough to talk with a local that can tell me stories and histories that would be otherwise forgotten.
As far as shooting itself, everyone has their own style and preferences, so I tend not to give technical advice, other than the obvious: good lighting and exposure, along with a pleasant composition, make for an interesting image. I like to shoot on cloudy days whenever possible, as clouds can make an otherwise average picture interesting.
I enjoy your photographs! I was born and raised in Monroe County WV st some are special to me!
Thanks, Larry. Glad you’re enjoying the pictures from your home county.
I, too, love old country churches. As an avid genealogist, I particularly enjoy walking through their adjoining cemeteries in my searches for ancestors, and imagine the lives of those buried there. I grew up in Sinks Grove WV, as did my parents. and the next time you visit, you should photograph the two churches there. Both are old and have survived through many generations of members, but have been lovingly maintained through the years and have active congregations today. Your photographs of the old homes, whether abandoned or still occupied, are a delight and you do a fabulous job of capturing the nostalgia of the communities. Yet I think the old churches add a broader perspective of these small rural towns.
I agree on all points. The story of a community is never complete without its churches.
Hi Bob, I love your photos!! I was wondering if you had any additional info about the Wolf Creek Methodist Church posted on April 23, 2020? I was there a week or so ago and as I was taking photos, a couple stopped and she was the Great Grand-daughter of the man who built that church!! I couldn’t believe it, what a God moment. Crazy me, I didn’t even think to ask her name but she was living in Summers County. Just wondered if you knew who built it and anything else about it? Thanks Sherry Wyne
Hi, Sherry. Thanks. Glad you are enjoying my photos. Wow! What an experience. I have looked for information about the church and have found very little. There is almost nothing online. I’ve been hoping to run into someone with some information. I think that it is one of the prettiest old churches in the area, and of course, it is very photogenic. I will certainly post any significant info that I come up with. Thanks for posting and letting us know your experience.