Sunday, February 28, 2010

The Olde Church of St. Andrew


This is the Catholic church that's across the street from my apartment. I think I've posted about it before. It was built in 1880 and it has a cemetery on the side. On the other side of the cemetery there's a park and a creek runs behind them. I've walked there many times and I've always had the place to myself.

35 comments:

Regina said...

Love the Gothic Church.
Beautiful images.

dianasfaria.com said...

there is something so peaceful about cemeteries. nice shots James.

Olivier said...

deux tres belles photos, j'aime l'architecture de cette eglise et la vierge en contrasme avec la neige

Sunny said...

Beautiful church, love the red door. I like your composition of the cemetery picture.
Sunny :)

Piyush Garyali said...

Love the composition on the second picture. Very nicely done :)

Tash said...

The straight-on view of the church works so well. The shape of the building and color of the brick is great. Really interesting framing in the 2nd shot.

Anonymous said...

It is just beautiful James. I love the look of it. I'm trying to figure out your position on the second photo. If you were standing using zoom or close like doing a macro. They are both wonderful. :)

Unknown said...

2 very nice pics. Love the sky and the warmth of the church. Nice treatment of the 2nd pic.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Ah, a kindred spirit who likes walking in cemeteries. The peace and quiet are always a draw.

Thanks for changing the link. You're a peach.

Alan Burnett said...

That second photograph is wonderful and shows just how wonderful a contrast between greyscale and colour can be.

Malyss said...

The church has an unusual architecture compared to what we have here. The second picture is so melancholic..No better place for a peaceful walk than a cemetery..

Thérèse said...

I like very much the unusual second shot.

Cezar and Léia said...

I think it's quite modern for 1880!Adorable façade.
I like a lot those bricks and the simple beautiful cross.
Ahh James the second shot is absolutely wonderful.Awesome composition.Well done!
Léia

Pat said...

This is a lovely photo, with the blurred background and color contrasts. Also liked how you were sensitive to not revealing names on tombstone.

Kat said...

I love this church! We are planning a road trip this spring to shoot some really amazing churches in Central Texas. Hope our efforts come out as well. Kathy

Owen said...

Beautiful... you are fortunate to have a quiet place like that to stroll in so close to home... and I'll bet there is some fascinating local history in the cemetery...

Unknown said...

The tower looks huge compared to the church itself! Very interesting architecture. And such a cool composition on the second shot!

Anonymous said...

It's rare to find a graveyard adjacent to a church these days. Most graves were moved away from churches to outlying cemeteries. This is pretty cool.

Stickup Artist said...

OH, I just love these shots. And right across the street from you! How awesome. I think this in the top 3 of things I miss... churches and cemeteries. Sounds odd, I know, but the above ground gravestones I find strangely comforting, and the old solid churches with stained glass, well they just feel more spiritual. I like the two as a set... The blue of the sky echoed in the blue of Mary's robe against the white and gray, that just knocks me out. Thanks to Owen, I'm so glad I found this blog!

Lois said...

How beautiful!

Jientje said...

I love the DOF in the second picture. It adds a little mystery. It looks like a very peaceful place.

Cheryl said...

A beautiful church indeed.

cieldequimper said...

The church is very nice but that second shot is a stroke of genius.

Carol said...

I like church shots, and that's a beautiful one. your second shot is also, the Lady in blue is striking against the stark cemetery.

Suburban Girl said...

I love the bell tower, It reminds me of Europe.

Tania said...

What a lovely old church! Great shot.
Wish you a nice week!

VP said...

A nice if almost deserted church, I've never seen a Catholic church with a bright red door here...
Wonderful image of the 'Madonnina' against the snow.

Jim said...

It's a beautiful church.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Virginia said...

That bottom photo is just wonderful . Bravo my friend.
V

Louis la Vache said...

Very serene!

Re your comment about Blackhawk, indeed, Blackhawk is just south of these home about five miles.

Anonymous said...

Must feel like a small escape of time walking these grounds.

A wonderful Wednesday for you.

Ebie said...

Both shots are impressive, but my favorite is the second. With the snow as background, the image pops out!

ruma said...

The colors of the brick showed the history. A building may become gradually attractive.

penny said...

This shot is outstanding, James. It's hard to take your eyes off of the statue of Mary.
I grew up by a cemetery and if there is one thing I learned it's that you are never alone in a cemetery.

e said...

Oh my, this is a blast from the past for me. I haven't seen St Andrew's since i moved away six years ago. Thanks!