In the sweet by and by

This old country church in a small Delta town is shaded by a large tree. It is no longer used for the congregation has built a newer church nearby.

My friends and I ran across one of the things I love to photograph — yet hate to photograph — the other day in another abandoned church, this one in the Mississippi Delta. Some beautiful pieces of furniture, including a unique communion serving table, were in the church. I wish I knew who to contact about a church like this, so we could preserve the many things in the church that the elements will surely ruin soon. It stirs my soul to think of the many prayers that have been lifted up here and the lives that were changed. I am glad I am able to record bits and pieces of them, however, for it brings me a small bit of comfort knowing that the church may soon be gone, but it will never be forgotten.

Pilgrim's Rest M.B. Church

One of my favorite churches in the whole world is Pilgrim's Rest M.B. Church, located alongside the Louisiana levee between Delta and Mound. It's not used very much anymore, but I did stop and worship at the church one time last year. I entered the church when Sunday school was being conducted by a man for his two children and four other people. A special memory, for sure. That's the only time I have ever seen anybody else at the church, for it is in some serious need of some maintenance. I don't think the building can last much longer. It has some beautiful handmade pews in the little church and the choir loft is pictured at the top. The old piano has seen better days, but is still graceful in its own way. I have photographed the interior and exterior of the church for several years now and am honored to have done so.