I drive past this very little community on my way to work every day. In the early morning hours as the sun is rising, the sun always casts a silhouette of this little church when you look toward the horizon. I always think of that old song, " The Church In The Wildwood." The song itself was written by Dr. William Pitts in 1857 following a coach ride on his way to see his fiancee in Fredericksburg, Iowa. The coach stopped in Bradford, Iowa where Dr. Pitts walked around enjoying the area. According to the story, there was no church there at that time, but apparently it was something he visualized as he penned the words to the song. Later, in 1862 Dr. Pitts moved to Bradford, Iowa to teach music at the Bradford Academy. When he moved there he was surprised to see a small church being constructed. He pulled out his song and it was sung at the church's dedication service. If you have never heard the song, here is a link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN3Pzz0GjLs&feature=related
Lovely. Great silhouette. Thanks for sharing the information and the song. Also, thank you for taking the time, Rick, to make a comment on nearly all of my photos...the good and the not so good. ;) Have a great 2011.
This is such a beautiful shot, Rick. The title drew me in - my parents both loved this song so much. They passed away within a few months of each other and we had a combined memorial service at their church. Of course, I requested this song to be played. It will forever remind me of them.
I'd also like to thank you for your kind comments on my photos. You are so good to stop by almost every day.
This is beautiful. I thought of that song, too, as soon as I saw the title. And I love all the stories behind so many songs - I've heard of a book compiled with those stories but haven't found it.
I'd also like to thank you for your kind comments on my photos. You are so good to stop by almost every day.
What a wonderful photo Rick., and so nice that you see this little church everyday, and know the history of it..
Hope 2011 is a great year for you.