Clarks Chapel Methodist Church

One of the best experiences I have had in a long time was visiting the sanctuary of Clarks Chapel Methodist Church in Cary, Miss. It is a small church, non-descript, along the highway that wends through the small Delta town. What grabbed my attention most of all was the well-worn pews of the church. Pictured above are some of the hymnals and a Bible that rested in the pews. The photos were shot in available light. The last picture is a Bible Stories book that I found while sitting in one of the pews. I grew up with these books and the memories flooded back as I held it in my hand. I took the photo after I had finished going back 40 or so years in time. The top photo is a picture of Jesus that was in a little side room of the church.

I don't know about you, but sometimes I get caught up in all the sophistication that modern worship now makes available. We've got projectors, PowerPoints, dance troupes, every musical instrument available, lighting setups, and all sort of modern gadgetry to enhance the worship experience. But nothing, I tell you, can beat the feeling of worship I felt when I sat in that old worn pew and thought about our Savior. I thought about all the people over time who had likewise sat in that spot and listened to a simple message about a loving God. The pew was worn shiny by usage over time and that sheen on the pew spoke so eloquently to me. We have a mighty God and it does not matter to Him how we come to him in worship. He heard me on this day say a prayer to Him from a simple pew in a simple church. It doesn't get any better than that.

At the cross

One of my favorite things to shoot is church steeples and here are crosses on the top of two in the Mississippi Delta.

The top photo is on top of Goldman Memorial United Methodist Church in Cary, Miss. It was taken from the rear of the church. No, the two holes are not bullet holes. At one point in time, the sign was neon-lit and that is the entrance and exit holes for the neon tubing. Sure would have liked to have seen that at night!

The other two photos are of a church steeple on a little church just off U.S. 61 North up near Valley Park. There is no name or anything to identify the church. But the simple cross speaks volumes to me. My friends and I were there when the Sonlight was pouring through the trees and made it even more significant. Wow!

I'll have some photos of another church in Cary for you tomorrow. We were able to go inside and it was a most reverent place. I go to a big, big church and it is good sometimes to go to a small church and sit in the well-worn pews where worship is simple.

Thanks for visiting today. I never take those who visit here for granted.

Vicksburg Riverfront Murals

The Riverfront Murals in Vicksburg, painted by Robert Dafford and his able crew, are such an asset to the city. They are absolutely stunning in their beauty and the telling of Vicksburg's history. Many people, however, just drive by in their cars and never really see the murals. As many of you know, I want you to stop looking and start seeing! Next time you are downtown or have company come to town, go down to the murals and really look at the detail in the paintings. I find new images and things in each mural each time I go. 

Random shots

Here are some random shots I have taken over the last couple of weeks.

• The little white church is up near Eagle Lake right before you get on the levee heading to Lake Chotard. I love the windows.

• My friend, Janie, over at http://southernlagniappe.blogspot.com loves to take photos of cows she sees every once in a while and I took this photo for her. They were on the levee near Steele Bayou.

• The Dixon's sign is on the side of a building in Edwards, Miss. It was painted for the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" starring George Clooney. 

• The bell and steeple are at Champion Hill M.B. Church near Bolton. The land was the former homestead for the Champion family. The area is famous for being the location of the Battle of Champion Hill. Lots of events are happening on the 146th anniversary of the battle on Saturday.

Downtown Vicksburg...in black and white II

Mississippi River Commission building (chains hold up awning)

Hotel Vicksburg

Taken in Gordon Lane that runs behind the stores

Hotel Vicksburg

Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum

On Clay Street down the hill from Washington Street

On Clay Street down the hill from Washington Street

When was the last time you saw a barber pole? Or a fallout shelter sign? Did you know one of the shepherds from the Christmas story had a price on his head? Ever seen a man spitting chain? It's amazing what you find when you start looking for the details. That's what happened to me this past weekend when I shot black and white photos in downtown Vicksburg. For those of you who are just joining us, the first part of this adventuret was posted on Monday, so scroll on down!

These photos are probably like a cruel game of "Where's Waldo." There are two options: either try to find them yourself in downtown Vicksburg or leave a comment and I will let you in on where these photos can be found downtown. I will tell you that many of them were taken while I was sitting in my truck!