Old-time religion – Oak Grove Church photography


Church photography records the past of little country congregations

The tiny Oak Grove Church on Turnbull Island, La., once served the isolated farming community before traveling to the regions cities became easier. There once was a time when little churches dotted the landscape of rural America, serving small congregations who did not have easy access to more-populated areas. This Oak Grove Church photography is a reminder of that long-past age.

It was a time when circuit preachers traveled from small town to small town, preaching at different churches each week. A time when dinner of the grounds brought out the full community. A time when the church was the bedrock of that community.

Oak Grove Church on Turnbull Island, La., is now seemingly abandoned. It sits just on the outside of the Atchafalaya River protection levee, surrounded by cotton and soybean fields. The Oak Grove Cemetery remains undisturbed adjacent to the church.

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About Andy Crawford

Andy Crawford has been a photographer and writer for more than 20 years, with thousands of images and articles published in magazines and newspapers around the country. He now focuses on Louisiana photography, landscapes, HDR photography, urban prints and other fine art photography. He also is a portrait photographer.