Just inside the park boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a church that up until my last visit, I had never even seen before. Perhaps because of the foliage on the trees during the different times of the year? Maybe. Who knows for sure. On this particular occasion, the trees were bare. I spotted the church to my right way up on the hillside. I had to turn around and come back to a side road that went in that direction. With the church now in front of me, I found a small parking area to stop and get out. As I ascended the hill, the tall building loomed overhead blending very well into the surrounding forest. The small wooden sign next to the pathway stated that this was Lufty Baptist Church. Established in 1836. Reconstructed in 1912. It is in an area of the park known as Smokemont, on the North Carolina side. Although the church was closed in 1939, it is open to park visitors who wish to see the inside.
To enjoy a larger view, please click on the image below!
I hope you enjoyed today’s post and I encourage you to join the conversation by writing your thoughts below as I truly like to hear from all of my visitors! 🙂
Michael Lewis Glover | Fine Art Photography 
Eureka!!! Thanks for sharing Nonoy Manga
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Thank you Nonoy! I’m glad you like it!
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I love this old church! What an awesome photo!
God Bless You!
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Thanks Dei! I appreciate it! God Bless You too!
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Hi,
That is amazing to think it was originally built in 1836, but how wonderful that they left it open for people to have a look, that is just fantastic. 🙂
It is very unusual the way it is built, a bit different than want you normally see even given the age it is. I love what looks to be a tower up the top with boarded windows, maybe there is a staircase to the top? The tower looks like it may have been added on at some point for some reason. It certainly would have a lot of history attached to it. A fantastic find, and a great photo. 🙂
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Thanks for the wonderful comments Mags! These buildings were built to stand the test of time, for sure! It is great that you can still go inside and look around. The tower is actually a bell-tower. There was a rope hanging down that you could pull and ring the bell!
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I never thought of a bell tower, of course I should of known by the way the space at the top was boarded up, not windows but openings so everyone could see the bell. 🙂
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That’s quite alright Mags! I had to think about it for a minute myself. It was March of last year when I took this picture, so I had to look at all of my pics and videos to refresh my memory!
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Thank You very much for the info on the tower. I love anything to do with history and am always fascinated by old buildings and the secrets they hold, and over the years I’m sure there are many secrets attached these wonderful places. 😀
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You’re very welcome! I love history also. I always wonder about that stuff too. Like they say – if these walls could talk!
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I like the perspective. Shooting up at it gives it a sense of mystique and power. And its well composed too.
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Thank you so much for the great comments Mike! I agree about the angle of shooting. I tried different views and perspectives. I have one shot with more trees in front and I’m standing back further. But it just didn’t really convey the sense of power like you said. This shot really worked for me. Thanks again my friend!
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Wow. It looks more like a fortress than a church, but maybe that’s because of the time period. The image in BW gives it a foreboding quality.
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Thanks for your comments Amanda! It’s funny how these older buildings can be so beautiful yet eerie at the same time. I think that’s what draws me to them!
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Great POV, comp, and textures, Michael. I love little old churches.
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I do too Eden. They’re probably one of my favorite subjects to shoot! Thanks for the nice comments!
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Absolutely stunning, Michael! Love those textures in the siding, and all the crisp details! Top drawer, my fine friend! Love these old churches, they literally beg to be photographed.
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Thank you for your visit and kind words Toad! Yeah I too am a huge fan of old churches!
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Still have quite a few old country churches similar to this open in my neck of the Hoosier forest. Great in black and white!
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That’s really cool! I’d love to get up that way to see them sometime. I truly enjoy shooting them – just love the architectural style! Thanks for the wonderful comment!
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🙂
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One fantastic shot!
Great blog.
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Thanks Barbara! I appreciate it!
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Oh, I love pictures of old churches! Beautiful shot!
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Thanks so much Anne! They are my favorite of architectural photography!
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Is there a way to purchase the church photo? I have family buried there.
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Hi Marjorie,
Yes prints are available. Thanks for the inquiry. I sent you an email.
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