Friday, November 13, 2009

My Town Shoot Out - Places of Worship

This week's shoot out theme is courtesy of Rebecca of The Dusty Cellar. "This week I picked places of worship because I was thinking that so many churches & synagogues (etc.), have such interesting architecture and symbolism both indoors and out. In addition, there is often much history surrounding the older buildings used for worship as well, adding to the interest. Whether simple or ornate they are often designed to speak to the soul. But by all means get creative and go beyond just buildings and architecture if you'd like!"
I encourage you to go and see everyone's contributions here!

I admit it, I'm recycling this post from February. I don't have any pics I like better than these, and it's likely only a handful of the MTSO gang has even seen them ;-)

This is St. Philip Lutheran Church, built between 1962 and 1964. I love the stained galss and was actually hoping for a night shot from outside while the lights are on. Alas, timing and weather were not on my side this week.
This is the original St. Raymonds Catholic Church built in 1859. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and holds the honor as the oldest Catholic Church building in Alameda or Contra Costa Counties. It is now used for weddings and city events, and the old school buildings are now the Heritage Center. The old cemetary is still the only one in dublin, and has the graves of the three peopl who dies while building the church, as well as recently departed residents.
This is the new St. Raymonds. It was build between 1976 and 1977 and also houses a school for Kindergarten through 8th grade. Interestingly it was dedicated by Bishop John S. Cummins who I met and had worked with my parents.
This is John Knox Presbyterian Church. This church was named for the Scottish reformer. I'm sure it was built in the 1960's or 70's, though I could not find information pertaining to its history on line.

This is Resurrection Lutheran Church - that's right 2 Lutheran Churches within about 10 miles of each other. This Church houses a Preschool and infant care center. I thought this photo looked nearly black and white to begin with, so I removed what little color there was, and I think it's rather striking.


This is Church of Christ. I had to shoot this across the freeway, as there is no way to get the entire place in a shot in front of the church. I would guess this was built in the 1980's as I remember it going up, when I was old enough to notice.

There are a few other churches in Dublin, but I either did not like my shots, or they are behind gated entryways, and thus inaccesible.

Happy Friday the 13th all! And if you are itching for a tattoo, but have so little cash it isn't funny, you need to check your local tattoo shop - lots of them run $13 specials today (add $7 tip), but lines can take FOREVER, so go early!

13 comments:

Sarah Lulu said...

Ohh so delighted with your lovely photos.

Really loved them.

Did YOU get a tattoo?

Bagman and Butler said...

I liked the one from across the highway -- horizontal and churches are usually so vertical with their steeples. And the one with the dynamic cross in the foreground.

Suburban Girl said...

The St Raymonds church looks like a picture perfect postcard. It kind of reminds me of the churches you see in New England...that's the church that captured my heart in this post!

~JarieLyn~ said...

What Rebecca said. I also like the black and white photo.

Barry said...

Fascinating range of architectural styles J9. Although I think I appreciate the simplicity of the old wooden Roman Catholic Church the best.

Sara Diana said...

Great range of churches, I like the 2nd wooden one the best.

GingerV said...

for me, of course, is the church from 1859 - old churches are lovely in their simplicity

Unknown said...

I love the older and small quaint churches. they have character to me. great shoot out!!

Gordon said...

J9, your commentary is what I always enjoy. Your photos were a big bonus. Thanks, friend.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

The Roman Catholic church is so old. wonder how many weddings took place there. I am watching a lot of wedding TV shows lately. As always the church weddings are the best.

Chef E said...

Not sure why, but I love V'd shaped buildings...interesting how they fit things into it...the use of space...love the one across the freeway...if I was in Dallas, boy could i shoot hundreds of them...

Wait tattoo? I have one :) got it when I turned 42...

Pauline said...

Lovely! I liked the old wooden church and the simple lines John Knox Presbyterian. It looks like a real shelter!

spiritsoflena said...

The black and white shot is very striking! I also loved the one with the two bird silhoettes adding symmetry to the picture.