My interest in churches is both
theological and aesthetic. Two years of my life were spent as a Navy Chaplain,
and following that tour of duty I was a pastor of two churches for thirty-two
more years. In addition, churches are almost always artistically interesting.
Consciously---and undoubtedly subconsciously---I am drawn to them as subjects
when I travel. The following little collection of sketches runs the gamut from
one of the greatest and oldest churches in Christendom, to exceedingly humble,
simple structures.
|
HALSTATT, AUSTRIA
We
followed the recommendation of a famous travel writer and visited this
incredibly picturesque town on a beautiful lake in Austria. Halstatt
became famous for its surrounding salt mines. It remains famous because
of tourism. A Protestant and a Catholic church dominate the skyline.
|

|
HAGIA APOSTOLI OF SOLARIS CHURCH, ATHENS
This
eleventh or twelfth century Greek orthodox church sits at the foot of
the Acropolis in Athens on the grounds of the Agora. It is a little
jewel of a building, similar to the architecture of many other orthodox
churches in Greece.
|

|
MILLER CHAPEL, PRINCETON SEMINARY
My wife and I met at
Princeton Seminary---an incredibly romantic story beyond the scope of
this website! We worshiped here regularly while attending Princeton
Theological Seminary in preparation for the ministry. The imposing
brownstone building behind it is Stuart Hall, site of many of our
academic classrooms.
|
 |
ST. PHILLIP'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CHARLESTON,
S.C.
This old
church with its imposing steeple has been the subject of too many
paintings to number. The old Dock Street Theatre is at the left, and
the Huguenot Church to the extreme right. Unhappily, squadrons of gnats
attacked me while I was doing this sketch.
|
 |
FLAGLER MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ST.
AUGUSTINE, FL
Flagler
built railroads to Miami that led to the development of Florida's
eastern seaboard. His wonderful hotels in St. Augustine dominate the
skyline of this charming city. I suspect this imposing church was built
with Flagler money.
|
 |
CHAPEL OF THE TRANSFIGURATION, GRAND TETONS, WYOMING
The
chancel of this little log chapel has a huge plate glass window
overlooking the Rockies in Teton National Park. I pity any preacher who
must compete with that sight for attention! While I did this sketch, a
wedding took place from start to finish---nervous bride entering---happy
couple emerging.
|
 |
HAGIA SOPHIA, ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Built in
the sixth century by the Emperor Justinian, Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom)
was the largest church in Christendom for centuries. Later converted to
a mosque, it is now a museum. The great "dome on pendentives" was an
architectural marvel of the ancient world. The equally famous "Blue
Mosque" of later years was to my back, and painted earlier in the day.
|
 |
PLAZA AND UNIVERSITY CHURCH, SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
I sat in a
square in Salzburg to do this sketch. In the foreground, merely
suggested by simple splashes of color, is the thriving market. To the
right is the imposing chancel of the University Church, an ornate
structure providing dignified contrast to the simple market scene.
|
 |
CHRIST'S CHURCH, FEDERICA, GEORGIA
This
little Episcopal church is smaller than the sketch would suggest. When
I view this painting, I can feel the breezes blowing the Spanish moss,
and smell the pungent odor of humid vegetation on a hot summer's day on
Saint Simon's Island. The real joy of such painting is in the ability of
the sketch to bring to mind the complete atmosphere of that moment.
|
 |
PARISH CHURCH, UNTERSEEN, SWITZERLAND
I searched
for a view of this church against the backdrop of the mighty Jungfrau.
The only good view was from a cemetery. I only hope I did not offend
any sensibilities in choosing this spot to do my sketch. I confess that
this painting is one of my favorites.
|
 |
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, KAILUA KONA, HAWAII
I
understand that this was the first church in the Hawaiian Islands. The
exterior betrays the New England roots of the missionaries who
established the church. The interior is constructed of beautiful local
woods. The sea is to my back, and my wife watched local fishermen pull
in fish while I was painting. I can hear the surf!
|
 |
"LITTLE ENGLAND" CHAPEL, HAMPTON, VIRGINIA
This
chapel was built for African Americans by a local white citizen in the
early days of segregation. It is now a national historic site. I was
teaching a class in outdoor watercolor painting to a local group---and
did this sketch quickly before they arrived for the class. It took no
more than an hour to complete.
|
 |
ROADSIDE CHAPEL, HAWAII
This
little chapel was located beside a lovely bay on the island of Hawaii.
Windows looked out over the bay, and certainly provided a distraction
for the worshipers! I parked by the side of the road and did this hour
sketch from the inside of the car, undoubtedly turning on the air
conditioning from time to time.
|
 |
COMMUNITY CHURCH, SURREY,
VIRGINIA
While my wife did a little pencil sketch, I painted this interesting
structure in the small town of Surrey, across the James River from the
historic site of Jamestown. I was especially attracted to the
interesting bell tower that jutted out from the front of the church.
|
 |
METHODIST CHURCH, WILLIAMSTOWN, VERMONT
Typically
New England, the buildings from left to right are the town hall, the
historical society, and the Methodist Church. In the center is a
monument honoring the war dead of Williamstown.
|

|
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, BROOKFIELD,
VERMONT
My wife
and I have such pleasant memories of this place. We were obviously
visitors as we worshiped with a very small congregation on a warm summer
Sunday. Members greeted us warmly following the service and insisted
that we attend the church picnic following worship. We did---and it was
great fun meeting these very hospitable Vermont folk.
|
 |