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| The front of the church. |
Last Saturday a small group of us met at the old Bula Baptist Mission Church in Copeland, Florida to sketch this historical structure before it meets the demolition crew. Bula Mission was built in the 1940’s of the cypress wood that was being logged out of the nearby cypress domes and strands. You may remember that an earlier post reported my visit to a different church in Copeland last March, which is still standing over on Church Street.
Bula Baptist Mission was built at a time when racial segregation was the norm in the South; it was a church for Black services, while the Whites attended the church down the road. When segregation ended, Bula Baptist Mission closed, and all races attended the Baptist Church on Church Street. Reverend Gilmore, the pastor of the Baptist Church, told us during our visit in March that their church was one of the first fully integrated churches in the county during the early 1960’s, with a congregation of Blacks, Whites, Native Americans, and Hispanics.
Our sketching group was kept small, out of respect for the surrounding residential neighborhood, and we met early to avoid the Florida heat and humidity. I had a chance to do two small plein air paintings, one in my new Strathmore watercolor sketchbook, and one in my Pentalic Nature Sketch pad. Both worked well with the Daniel Smith travel set I created. The Strathmore paper has great lifting properties, so I could clean up a few mis-strokes later.
The church itself used to be a one-room structure, with small bathrooms added later just off the front entryway. At one time, it was hoped that the building could be restored and used for community events, but the cost is too great. I believe the current plan is to salvage as much as possible, then demolish it. If anyone has any information to add, please comment below, or email me and I’ll update this post. I love old structures, and feel sad that this one won’t be around for much longer.
It was a lovely summer's day, although quite hot as the sun crept up to its zenith. The church is overgrown with lush vegetation and there were butterflies everywhere: swallowtails, sulphurs, and gulf fritillaries. Two red-shouldered hawks patrolled the sky overhead. Painting bliss!
It was an honor to be able to spend a few hours painting the Bula Baptist Mission, and I thank Karen Relish and Marya Repko for making it possible. Thank you too, for visiting!
Very interesting, Elizabeth, what a piece of history. I'm glad you preserved it, sobering though it is.
ReplyDeleteThese two paintings are really lovely. I especially like all the shadow play.
ReplyDeleteSad to note that history will be demolished. However, your sketches will keep it alive, in memory anyway. Sounds like a fabulous day for getting out on location!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kate. It was a wonderful opportunity. We had a chance to look inside as well and see some of the beautiful old cypress showing through the damaged walls. There is a small cemetery nearby, cradling the stillborn babies.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Ruca. I loved the shadows, too. There are two old Australian pines on the left that lean over toward the front, and the breeze gently tossed their shadows over the building. Very soothing to paint. :)
Hi Laure, it was a lovely day for this time of year, and so many butterflies. I'm glad my little paintings will contribute to the future memory of this place. Thanks for visiting.
What a fun day out. You will be able to remember that old church long after it is gone. Great sketches.
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful that you were able to paint this!
ReplyDeleteLovely painting Elizabeth, though very sad to see a piece of history being lost. Sounds like a little paradise. Could it not have been saved !! John
ReplyDeleteSaw your images on Flickr and finally have the chance to read your post. So love that you were able to capture this building before it's demise. Lots of soul here.
ReplyDeleteLisa - yes, what a great morning for a late Florida summer. And not too many mosquitoes, either!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeanette, it WAS wonderful.
Thanks for visiting, John. I still feel sad to see it go. The structure just has too much damage and the price tag is too high. I think that the old cypress boards will be salvaged. I appreciate your comment!
Hi Pam, We must have been cross-posting! I'm glad I could capture some of the feelings in my brief watercolor sketches, thank you!!
ReplyDeleteThese sketches are heavenly! Your images and the feelings they invoke will endure long after the church is gone!
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