Bright Blue with Gargoyles

The sky could not be more blue above Selma's First Baptist Church

 on Lauderdale Street. Here is a section of the church towers and turrets 

with its Gothic details. Notice the gargoyles! 

Linking to City Daily Photo Blogs and Skywatch Friday

The Spires of First Baptist

The Gothic spires and gargoyles of First Baptist Church - Lauderdale Street 

are especially beautiful in the late afternoon sun. 

Linking to InSpired Sunday and City Daily Photo Blogs 

Shadow Trio

A  trio of shadows stretch across the hardwood floor of Weaver Castle

 where new owners are renovating the 1868 Gothic mansion. 

The house where renowned Selma artist Clara Weaver Parrish grew up

 was featured on this weekend's Selma Pilgrimage. 

Posted at Shadow Shot Sunday

Mirror, Mirror (Skywatch Friday)

Mirrowed windows at Weaver Castle reflect blue skies above Selma.

The "castle," according to its website, "is of significant architectural Gothic design, was completed in 1868 and is located in the Old Town historic district of Selma, Alabama. Weaver Castle was built by William M. Weaver, a prominent Selma landowner, whose father was one of Selma's founders. It is believed that architect Richard Michel Upjohn designed it from a castle on the Rhine in Germany. Well known in architectural circles in New York, he also designed the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church here in Selma . Situated on the highest spot in Selma, Weaver Castle is located in the northern corner of what was Weavers Grove. All the materials to make Weaver Castle were from the property. Sand bricks were kilned and the woodwork is made from walnut, oak, and pine. The front entrance and ballroom feature parquetry floors. It is said that during the Civil War that gold was buried on the site of the Weaver Castle. It is also believed that the castle is haunted. There is music playing, people talking, and a light in the attic where there is no electricity."

For more skywatching, click HERE.

First Baptist Gargoyles

First Baptist Church on Lauderdale Street has several interesting gargoyles that are quite unusual for Southern Baptist structures. Most Baptist churches are relatively plain, but the ornate Gothic architecture makes this one among the most unusual and beautiful in Alabama.

I have not researched the symbolism, but this gargoyle appears to be a lion with wings. The Bible refers to a lion with wings as one of Four Living Beings in Revelation 4:7-8. The others were an ox, a man and an eagle. I don't notice these on the church, but their purpose was to give glory and honor to God.