Friday, October 24, 2008

The Story of My Profile Photo


I've been asked a few times about my profile picture, and a good friend of mine recently inspired me to do a post on it.

The picture was taken during a free weekend in February of 2006. I managed to do a whirlwind tour of over 15 churches, cathedrals, and monasteries throughout 4 state
s. This particular image was taken outside of St. Anthony Catholic Church in the small town of St. Anthony, Indiana. There was a garden gazing ball in the front yard of the church, and after some experimenting, I took this self-portrait facing directly into the gazing ball. I think it turned out pretty interesting. I also think it exemplifies the whole idea of "The Steeplechase" quite well.

St. Anthony's is a pretty interesting place in its own right. Though the church building is quite old (built in 1880) it recieved a very unique, yet effective interior renovation sometime in the 1950s.

The sandstone faced interior and terrazzo floor build the atmosphere of noble simplicity.

The church is also home to an historically significant Pilcher pipe organ (Opus 378) dating from 1900. You can hear the instrument on Pipedreams here.

Unfortunately the church suffered a fire in June 2007 while the building was undergoing renovations. From what I can gather, they are thankfully in the process of restoring the 128-year-old church.

This church also wins one of my "best natural settings"awards, as it sits right on the edge of this lake.

It also has one of the smallest parish halls I've ever seen! Also note the church's unique curved apse.

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