Monday, October 26, 2009

First Church



The First United Methodist Church in downtown Birmingham has affectionately been called "First Church" as long as I can remember. Their website says it was founded in 1872 and the inscription over the door says the building was erected in 1891. Since that time, it has been considered the "Mother Church" of many churches in the Greater Birmingham area. I think it's wonderful that this church as survived over all these years and is still a vibrant part of our city.

Saturday I took a spin downtown with my photography buddy Bill. The late afternoon sun was hitting the shiny facade of the Harbert Plaza across the street and making some amazing shadows on the church. Have a look.


21 comments:

James said...

I love that top picture.

Julie said...

Me so too. The masonry work on that facade is superb, V. As is the work in the SG windows. Any chance of a peek inside?

What do you thing the congregation would average at 8am on a Sunday?

Judy - So California said...

V, This is beautiful! The window in the first is magnifique!

Pat said...

I love this kind of brown stone. There's a bridge here that has an elaborate set of stairs from this same stone. Very soft impression, despite its being stone!

Hilda said...

It's beautiful, and the light and shadows make it even more so! These are wonderful photos, V!

B SQUARED said...

Strange! In Europe, it might be considered the "new" church. It's all relative.

Halcyon said...

Very beautiful! I love the muted colors and that stonework.

Anonymous said...

That really is amazing & beautiful! Fine photos

Thérèse said...

A very soothing view.
I am always wondering for a little while when I hear "Fifth Bank" or "Yellow Five" wondering what happened to the four first ones... but for the First Church I don't have to think, lol.

Daryl said...

Beautiful building and the light is perfection!

Anonymous said...

Oh, well done! I was wishing I had you along yesterday.

cieldequimper said...

Divine.

Tom said...

The shadows really make these shots...and you have captured the mottle effect so well.

Marie-Noyale said...

Reflections of the New on the Old...

Ken Mac said...

you've really captured the fall colors!

Lowell said...

Beautiful windows on this church and the light catches their glory perfectly!

Virginia said...

Hiker,
I wish I had been with you as well my friend. Not sure about that music although I didn't mind it so much.
V

For the First Church congregation, I hope you felt I did you lovely church justice!

Bob Crowe said...

The dappled light is lovely. I'm glad you have such an institution. America is a bit short on things like this.

Unknown said...

At first I didn't realize the unbelievable effect on the wall were shadows! Fantastic! And the building is stunning! Great post!

PJ said...

Now you're just showin off. Geez, V, that's a humdinger!

Tash said...

Sublime, definitely.