I drove down to Caldwell for a dentist appointment today and afterwards I decided to stop by the church I grew up in. While I was taking a picture of this amazing building, the caretaker noticed me and we had such a nice conversation. When I told him I'd grown up in this church, he encouraged me to go inside. "It's open and you're welcome to take as much time as you need in there." So many emotions flooded through me as I remembered singing in the high school choir across from the adult choir where my mom sang; my father impressing the organist when he rescued a poor sparrow who had mistakenly flown into one of the organ pipes by concocting an "elevator" out of a coffee can lid and a coat hanger; the firm and powerful voice of Dr. McElwee as he delivered his sermons; being married here; our children baptized here while my father served as the elder; my mother's memorial service; and so much more. What a rich place of worship to grow up in. The foundation laid here has carried me through all the ups and downs of life. I was incredibly blessed to be a part of this congregation. I remember that as a child I thought it was the most beautiful and spectacular place ever because of the stained glass windows- but to see them again after being away for so long was overwhelming and now as an adult I believe it even more so. I took A LOT of pictures! But I decided to post this one first. It seems to best represent the role this church has played in my life- a rock and foundation, a compass point to lead my eyes upward every day and an inspiration to pursue beauty and excellence in all I do.
very impressive photo of this Church Ann Fav , this beautiful Church reminds me of when Anne and I was up in Scotland back in September we were staying at a place called Melrose and on one of the trips we visited a Town called Moffat and this Church looks identical
It's beautiful, and such an imposing building. I'm glad all the memories came back to you so strongly. I revisited my 'childhood' church where I was married with the children one Easter, and folk were almost unfriendly... I shall have to preserve my memories as they were :)
@kerristephens Thank you Kerri! @pflaume Thank you Lisa! @nicolecampbell Thank you Nicole! @gerry Thank you Gerry- and thank you for the fav! I would not be surprised that it was inspired by the churches of Scotland. Although I am not sure of the nationality of James Caldwell (the town's namesake and the first pastor of this congregation), my father's father's side of the family was Scottish and I imagine that many who were Scottish would have settled in the same area. This building was erected in 1784, but there was a wooden church on the property at first. I could very easily see them styling their church in the same way as the one back in the "old country". @filsie65 Thanks Phil! I'm sad to hear that you were not treated well when you returned to your home church. It 's not a good reflection on the pastor or the congregation. But at least you can retain good memories @sangwann Thank you Dione! @digitalrn Thank you Rick! @httpgeffed Thanks Colleen! @henrir Thanks Henri! @eniaral Thanks Laraine!
@potsbypam Thank you for the fav Pam! @daisy Thank you Kathryn! I find myself reminiscing a lot lately! Not that I'm living in the past- but certainly feeling very grateful for the role so many things played in making me who I am today. @edie Thank you Edie!
What a lovely church. It looks quite old and from your write up, you have quite a past with this building. It holds a lot of memories for you and I think you captured it quite well with this photo. Great job, Ann! :)
@prttblues Thanks Bev! The first church was built prior to the Revolutionary War and was wood. It burned down and this one was built in 1784, just 8 years after the colonies became the USA.
@nadaa Yes- that's the one. I was so bothered with myself- it wasn't until I woke up on the morning of the appt. that it occurred to me I should have let you know I was coming down!! Sometimes my brain short circuits that way. But I really should stop in to visit my aunt who still lives in Caldwell, so I will figure out when to do that and let you know. I was thinking I'd also like to go to Grover Cleveland Park and take some shots there too- so I'll let you know and we can plan on it!
@vorka Thank you Vorka! I do too. You would love this church. It may not be as old as some of the cathedrals in Europe, but for the United States it's very old!
@pflaume Thank you Lisa!
@nicolecampbell Thank you Nicole!
@gerry Thank you Gerry- and thank you for the fav! I would not be surprised that it was inspired by the churches of Scotland. Although I am not sure of the nationality of James Caldwell (the town's namesake and the first pastor of this congregation), my father's father's side of the family was Scottish and I imagine that many who were Scottish would have settled in the same area. This building was erected in 1784, but there was a wooden church on the property at first. I could very easily see them styling their church in the same way as the one back in the "old country".
@filsie65 Thanks Phil! I'm sad to hear that you were not treated well when you returned to your home church. It 's not a good reflection on the pastor or the congregation. But at least you can retain good memories
@sangwann Thank you Dione!
@digitalrn Thank you Rick!
@httpgeffed Thanks Colleen!
@henrir Thanks Henri!
@eniaral Thanks Laraine!
Thank you Jennifer!
Thank you Carla! You'll be seeing some of the windows today.
@daisy Thank you Kathryn! I find myself reminiscing a lot lately! Not that I'm living in the past- but certainly feeling very grateful for the role so many things played in making me who I am today.
@edie Thank you Edie!
@cimes1 Thank you Carole!
Yes, lovely memories for which I am very thankful!