My Favorite Rural Church

I have not been inside the United Methodist Church, on a narrow road south of Stuart, Virginia, near the North Carolina border, but I have made photos of it, twice. In both instances I was not expecting to see it as I drove by, because it’s set a ways off the main road. I believe I was led to this church for a reason, not so much to become a church member, because it’s too far from home for that. Instead, I believe I was given an opportunity to see and photograph it because when I’m there wandering around composing with my camera, I’m at peace, thankful for all that the good Lord has given me.

When we were living in Europe, I learned that there is a difference between a graveyard and a cemetery. The former is located next to a church, while the latter is located elsewhere. This is obviously a graveyard. Looking at the headstone, I noted that “William D. Mays” was 86 years old when he died in 1891. Thus, the church and graveyard have a long history. I like this composition because of the way it places the headstones in the foreground.

Another view from farther back. And lastly, another composition even farther away, and framed in the shade of a large tree, still with fall leaves.

I never tire of visiting this church with my camera, and yes I know some may be asking why I don’t go there on a Sunday, no matter the drive from home, to worship with others drawn to this great looking rural, Blue Ridge Mountain church.