Tag Archives: Church

Open Doors At First Congregational Church of Stockbridge

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I clocked this church on our way into town and made a beeline in that direction when we were out for a stroll in Stockbridge the next morning.

I wandered around outside for a minute before realizing that the sign said “open.”

Open, indeed, and my friend and I were the only people in the sanctuary.

This is the First Congregational Church of Stockbridge. While this building dates to 1824, the congregation originated in 1734 when John Sergeant began a mission to the Mohican people of the Berkshire Hills.

They celebrate this history with plaques on the wall surrounding the alter.

The light is absolutely perfect. And while you can feel the weight of age and history here, there’s a lightness to the space that feels warm and uplifting. As a church should be.

I was all but obsessed with the crisp white walls and the symmetry throughout the church. Here’s a view from the balcony.

What a wonderful place to worship or to sit in quiet meditation.

Frequent visitors to this page will notice that I have an affinity for empty churches. Organized religion has done me no good as I don’t care for the focus on worldly things or how noisy it is. If you want to hear the voice of God it seems to me it’s best to shut up and listen.

But that’s just me and we all know I’m an oddball. Everyone should worship how they see fit.

What I can tell you for sure is that the stolen moments in the back of empty churches are some of the most awe inspiring and most profound I have experienced.

This was one of the best.

Here’s a peak at those gorgeous front doors.

And the light in the entryway.

If you wish to visit this church, it’s on Main Street in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. They do keep regular daily hours for the public to tour and enjoy the space.

Find the church online to learn more about their ministry and even to listen to a service online if you are so inclined.

Silent Sunday: Court Street View

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First Presbyterian Church Of The Covenant

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It’s called The First Presbyterian Church Of The Covenant and it’s located on a peaceful tree-lined street in Erie, Pennsylvania. This impressive Gothic Revival church with a soaring bell tower is impressive both inside and out.

It was dedicated in 1930 which surprised me a little because it seems much older. The doors are impressive as is all the stained glass. Theres an enormous pipe organ and columns that give the sanctuary weight and substance. The tile floors are incredible and the ceiling is gorgeous.

I read somewhere that the stained glass came from three different studios including Tiffany in New York City.

We slipped into the back before Sunday services and eavesdropped on a sound check as an incredibly talented tenor prepared for his part. We spoke with someone who said they have begun planning their centennial celebration and it was gratifying to know they have an active congregation that is looking toward the future while honoring their past.

Want to learn more? Visit their website!

Brief Sanctuary In Chapel Cave

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Churches are a common theme here on this blog but I have never shown you anything quite like this. Welcome to Chapel Cave, a recess cave with a chapel shape opening in Ohio’s Hocking State Forest. It’s one of the more off the beaten path destinations for hikers in that area and is located just off a bridle trail.

We hiked, of course. Part of the hike was beautiful. Most of it wasn’t much to talk about but we did have a pretty day to enjoy the hike last fall. 

Horse people call it Twenty One Horses Cave because it’s supposed to be large enough to hold that many horses. I don’t know if that’s true but there was a guided group that came through before us and they all got a kick out of riding inside.

Once they emptied out, we had about a minute before a noisy family clamored into the opening for a looksee. For one shining moment in that brief quiet I realized that it really does feel like a chapel. Sacred and solemnly grounded, this place provided a beautiful moment and a breathtaking view.

This is why we explore. These special places and moments are the very best reason to keep searching and to keep looking for more.

Wrightstown Church

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It feels like the middle of nowhere. Which, of course, is the middle of somewhere to someone.

It’s called Bible Christian Church and it’s along a country lane in a spot-in-the-road called Wrightstown in Morgan County. Founded in the 1840s, it has been a church and even a township hall. We drove by earlier this month while taking a detour in my mother’s old stomping grounds.

She had stories about the long ago people who worshiped here but didn’t know much else about the history. Her memories of the place all come from her childhood and were vague. What I do know is that it’s a lovely scene, high atop a hill in a beautiful rural area. It’s peaceful and serene.

It was too pretty to not stop and capture.

Make The Journey Fun

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Earlier this week I took the long way home and found myself sitting at this intersection admiring the view. Like so many times before, I pulled out my phone and snapped a picture for the memory. It’s not a great picture but when I look at it, I recall a cool summer breeze and the sweet taste of lemonade as I casually meandered home.

The memory makes me desperate to hit the road today, tomorrow or really, any day.

I have no weekend plans but am long overdue for adventure. I haven’t decided yet if I should choose a destination or do a fly by the seat of my pants kind of day. That’s where I pull up to an intersection and see which way looks best.

As long as I have my maps and phone I’m never really lost but it sure is freeing to know the journey is the destination.

After all, isn’t that what life is all about? Enjoying whatever the day brings? Take time this long weekend and simply enjoy the journey. Do something unexpected. Make it fun.