Monday, May 16, 2016

"The Church in the Wildwood"

We drove past this old church again on one of our drives. When we saw it awhile back, we wondered if it had been a church. 

 

It's in pretty rough shape.

 

But this time, someone had done some work around the building and cleared the stone marker in front.

 

It says,  United Evangelical 
Church 1916 now
The United Church
of Christ 1957  


I remember my mother playing the song 'The Church in the Wildwood' on the piano when I was growing up and it is still a favorite of mine. (I'm sure she can still sit down and play it by memory)  I looked it up online and saw that a lot of people have recorded it over the years, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Charlie Pride and Andy Griffith. I think of all of those, I love Andy Griffith's voice for this old timey song.

 

Do you remember this song?


34 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh yes I do, when I read the title it came immediately to mind.
this looks just like the little church I went to for years and years,, small but mighty ,,

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I am sure this church was beautiful in it's day. It would be nice to see it restored. I am not familiar with the song. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week ahead!

Debby Ray said...

I absolutely do remember the song well, Diane and this photo is a great example of what it could have looked like back in the day. It is sad that it has gotten so neglected, although it is a photographer's dream. Have a great week!

Susie said...

Diane, I found that funny that you went back to the church for photos. I did the same thing at the little dilapidated house on the next mile. I love that little church. It would be so nice if someone could save it. I do remember the song, but have not heard it forever...so I may look that up. Hope you are enjoying your wonderful state. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Stacey said...

This is so pretty! I love to see little churches like that...it seems so idyllic out there.

Anonymous said...

It is pretty good to see a small church!

Gayle said...

🎶No spot is so dear to my childhood . . .🎶

SImple and Serene Living said...

Wouldn't it be wonderful if someone would restore it. Love little old country churches. xo Laura

Cranberry Morning said...

Yes, I DO remember that song! Great post today, Diane, and I love the old building photos. Among my favorites! xo

Linda Kay said...

I do remember the song, and it would have been fun to hear the recording as well! So sad to see the building deteriorating.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I sure do. What a neat old church...I hope someone will put a little elbow grease to it!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I don't know the song, but I do love the old church... I hope someone rescues it from total decay, it's so charming and obviously full of history.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I do remember that lovely song, Diane. I hope someone will "rescue" this church building one day.

podso said...

Loved this post! As soon as I saw the title the song began in my head. It had a bit of a marching sound in part of it. You did so well in photographing the old building. Would love to see it in person.

NanaDiana said...

Oh- what a sweet old church. Looks like one I attended with my cousins. I do remember that song and used to play it and sing it for my dad. xo Diana

Susan said...

I have to say, I'm old enough to remember that song! What stories this old church must have, XOXO

carol l mckenna said...

Great shots of a very historical building and you were right it was a church ~ lovely post ~

Happy Week to you ~ ^_^

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I certainly do remember that song (and singing it in grade school). Wow, no idea it had been recorded by so many people (I will probably have to go and find one of these versions on You Tube in order to get rid of the earworm you've given me ;>) ... but I don't mind that earworm at all because it brings such fun memories!).

Your photos illustrate the song absolutely perfectly. What a sweet church and perfect location.

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Hello sweet friend. What lovely photos and so nice that someone took the time to clear a bit of the weeds away. I am always sad when I see a building that is no longer cared for. Hope your week is fabulous. Hugs!

Lowcarb team member said...

No, I don't think I know the song - but love your photo's.

All the best Jan

Vee said...

Yes, very well. I like your little church in the wildwood. It is dear and quaint. Did you almost hear the refrain coming from the windows?

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

Such a neat church! xoxo Su

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

LOL it will be stuck in my head for days now. It was a song I grew up on for sure. At one point my hubby almost joined the staff of a church called "The Little Church in the Vale". It didn't come about after all but it definitely looked like you'd imagine the church in the song would look. Love old churches - did you know that if a church has BLUE windows, it is an African American church? We learned that on a tour of St. Simons Island. Apparently they believed that the blue glass would keep evil spirits out so they always used it in their churches. And you know what -- it has proven true as we've traveled around and seen old churches.

Primitive Stars said...

Love sweet old churches, this one is adorable.Blessings Francine.

Pondside said...

What a beautiful yet poignant sight that church is. I can imagine the Christmas and Easter celebrations it witnessed, as well as baptisms and funerals - all the markers of life.

bj said...

when i was very young, we went to church in one almost identical to this pretty little church. xoxo

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

What a precious post and this Church is just perfect.
I grew up in a tiny little Community and our Presbyterian Church resembled this one so much.
Thank you for dropping by, I loved your visit.
I am sorry that my blog pages were not being cooperative.
Hugs,
Jemma

Carla from The River said...

Keep us posted if you ever stop and peek inside.
Fun adventure. I love Dolly Parton.
Carla

Elizabeth said...

A beautiful old church! Yes I do remember that song, love it!

BeachGypsy said...

I just love old churches like this one! That song certainly suits it doesnt it? Theres no way i could pass this sweet old church by without stopping to photograph it! You evidently felt the same way!

Daniela said...

What a charming church, I so love ancient buildings to restore, expecially ancient little country churches, they amaze me so much when they're made of wood, thank you for sharing this beautiful post with us, dearest Diane !

Hope your week is off to a good start I wish you all my best for your days to come, sending you hugs and more hugs

Dany

Pamela Gordon said...

I do remember that old song Diane. What a dear little church that must have been. I hope it gets fixed up for someone to use or live in.

Sam I Am...... said...

Isn't that a sweet building! I could move in and fix it right up! Except it would have to have AC down there....anywhere nowadays! LOL! Yes, I remember that song and now I will be singing it around here all week.

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

I do remember that song and agree about Andy Griffith. That church is awesome. Bet there's a geocache there. :-)