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| East Lake Methodist Church, Mann's Harbor, NC (click to enlarge) Fujifilm X-T5; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 16mm; 1/280th sec. @ f/11; ISO 250 |
I just returned from three days photographing migrating waterfowl, snow geese and tundra swans as well as various other interesting subjects in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It turned out to be a great test for the new firmware 3.0 for the Fujifilm X-H2S. More on that trip with photos on Tuesday. However...
As I was traveling to the Outer Banks, I spotted this small, white clapboard church. I have photographed many, many small country churches but this is the first I can remember that had two doors. That intrigued me so on my way back home, I stopped and made some photographs of this simple but functional building and its surroundings.
A close friend of mine (TwoLaneTouring.com), who has intimate knowledge of various religions and the history of the culture of religions in the United States told me that in the distant past two doors were included so men could enter through one and women through the other. I had never heard that. With a little Internet research, I found some information that in many churches men and women were seated separately so that any 'distractions' by being close to members of the opposite sex would not conflict with the worship service. Very interesting.
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| Did the men enter on the left or right? I would venture a guess that it was on the right as men only normally ran church operations and anything 'left' could be considered sinister! When I was a child, being left-handed, my grandmother, from Eastern Europe, used to try to get me to not use my left hand as ‘left’ was evil. In many cultures around the world, left hand usage is still considered bad. Disclaimer: It has nothing to do with politics. (click to enlarge) Fujifilm X-T5; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 17mm; 1/450th sec. @ f/8; ISO 250 |
Also, many small country churches have cemeteries on the property. This one was no exception. What was a bit different was what looked like a 'homemade' white picket fence separating the cemetery from the rest of the church property.
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| This looks like it was 'homemade.' Another interesting detail about this little church. (click to enlarge) Fujifilm X-T5; 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 18mm; 1/250th sec. @ f/11; ISO 1600 |
The morning winter light was beautiful, the shadows long and deep and the subject was intriguing enough to cause me to stop and make some photographs. That is good enough for me.
Thanks for looking. Enjoy!
Dennis A. Mook
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Most of the very old churches in Georgia have two doors.
ReplyDeleteDave Jenkins
Thank you Dave. Good to hear from you. I’m still reading and enjoying your blog regularly. For others, if you want a treat, check out Dave’s blog, “A Life in Photography.” You won’t be disappointed.
DeleteI attended such a church when young. The older women all sat together on the left, the men on the right. The center section had children, young adults, visitors, and those who were dating or were newlyweds. I can't remember the seating preferences ever being discussed. It was what it was. I sat on the right as the large windows were open during the spring and summer and did not have screens. I was looking out the window as I listened to the service.
ReplyDelete