Right Place Right Time
There is something to be said about being at the right place at the right time. Add to that, being in the perfect headspace to appreciate something memorable.
Today, during my city walk for one, which always ends up being greater than 10 miles, I found myself walking through one of my favorite neighborhoods in Baltimore – Reservoir Hill.
Rarely do I use my iPhone for these adventures. A smartphone, while highly capable of taking the perfect photo, simply doesn’t offer me the same feeling as a real camera. Call me old fashioned, but that tactile feeling, actively framing a shot with a view finder and the mechanical click of a shutter is pure joy. That sound is my link to the past. At the same time, it’s a reminder, encouraging me to slow down and wait for the perfect opportunity to aim and snap.
When I am in Reservoir Hill, I always walk by a particular church and find myself snapping a few photos. This church is somewhat of a muse for me because I simply like the color orange. Of course, the architecture is appealing too because of the sacred geometry (Neo-Gothic elements), fortifying my connection and interest in history and art, and not necessarily religion.
As I was snapping photos, a gentleman nearby, who just happened to be the pastor said, “Would you like to see the inside.” My immediate, excitable response, “Yes!” I had to wait 10 minutes while he entered the church from the back. It was a long 10 minutes because I was feeling anxious to see this time capsule, built in 1874. I won’t go into great detail but will simply say, I was not disappointed.
Pastor David Grissom could not have been more hospitable. The church was originally Presbyterian but is now a Pentecostal Faith Church.
If felt deceiving from the outside because once inside I was overwhelmed with the three large worship naves, which I am sure were needed back in the day.
Pastor Grissom kept it professional. We talked about history, culture, community, challenge, and hope. His words were purposefully meaningful, as mine were.
For a brief moment, I wondered if he could sense I was a weary spirit. Not broken, complacent or emotionally wrought, but simply conflicted because too many people manipulate faith to exert control, acquire financial gain or for compliance. While others use it as a scapegoat to deflect accountability, justify prejudice or mask ignorance as today’s political climate proves, but I digress.
I will continue to enjoy certain churches, appreciating their beauty, engineering qualities and history, without subscribing to any faith.
If and when I write about churches or faith I always end the post with my favorite quote by Susan B. Anthony – “I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.”
I believe in God, only I spell it “nature.” Live your best life outdoors. Let’s agree to disagree. – paerki
Additional Photos: Historical Church
