Staying on back roads, the wandering continues until a stop in Greenville. I have to say, this town is struggling and that is putting it mildly. However, I just have to get a closer look at this church. Unfortunately, even though it is Sunday, no one is around and it doesn't appear to have had services today. Drat.According to the Texas Historical plaque, "This congregation was organized in 1879 as First Christian Church. Led by Elder James Pickens, a minister from Alabama, the congregation first met in a Union Church on Lee Street. The Rev. T.W. Caskey served as the first regular pastor of the church, and a small frame sanctuary was built on Wesley Street. The name of the congregation was changed to Central Christian church when the present sanctuary was built in 1898-99. The oldest church structure remaining in Greenville, it was built at a cost of $23.000. An outstanding, robust example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture, it features intact towers, art glass windows, and exceptional grill-like brickwork. Throughout its history, this congregation has been an integral part of the community. Central Christian Church members have been instrumental in establishing new churches in town and have maintained both foreign missionary and local outreach programs. Recognizing the need to preserve this church as a local landmark, the congregation began a major restoration project in 1986. It now stands as a fine example of local historic preservation."
There are many murals in Greenville, but I'm only able to capture one with the camera.
As we drive around, an old feed mill is spotted. At one time, this must have been a major employer and it appears as though part of it is still in use.The courthouse still stands and looks majestic even on a empty-streeted Sunday.
Down one road, this wall remains from a time gone by. "In 1929, Eula Lasater Phillips donated $3,500 to the Gteenville Athletic Council to build an athletic field at this site in memory of her late husband, Frank Phillips. The first athletic event in Phillips Field was a football game between the Greenville High School Lions and the Leopards of Dallas Oak Cliff on October 4, 1929. In 1930, the land transferred to the city, with management by the school district. Here, celebrated Coach Henry Frika led the school football team to an undefeated season and the state championship in 1933. In 1946, the field was realigned to become the home of a minor league baseball team, The Majors, named for Truett Majors, the first Greenville resident killed in World War II. More than 160,000 people attended Majors games in 1946, and Greenville fielded a number of competitive teams in the late 1940s. In 1947, the football stands were razed and replaced with a baseball stadium. On April 10, 1949, the Majors hosted an exhibition game against the New York Yankees, defeating them 4-3. Among those who participated for the Yankees that day were Casey Stengel, Manager, and Joe Dimaggio in center field. Another baseball great who played here was Monty Stratton, a Greenville native, who pitched a game for the Majors in 1950. Attendance at Majors games declined by 1950, and the team folded before the following season. Reorganized minor league teams, also named the Majors, played here in 1953 and 1957. Youth and ameteur leagues used the field until the property sold in 1964 and the stadium was demolished. Today, the stadium's arched entryway, built by the Works Progress Administration is 1940, serves as a reminder of the countless athletes and fans who gathered here in the spirit of competition." Simply fascinating and I apologize for blurring the picture.
It's getting hungry in the car and we have located a brewery about half an hour away, so the car is on the road again - towards Sulphur Springs. No stops until we are smack dab in downtown and a parking spot is found. The courthouse takes center stage and it simply beautiful.
Mister looks at me and surprises me by asking if I need to use the restroom. I guess I could. He then points me in the direction of these mirrored units. Okaaaaay. I'm game. Once inside, I have to giggle. This is a great concept.The view from inside is wide open in all four directions. I think this is the first time I've taken pictures while . . . well, you get the picture.
The rest of the courtyard contains these wonderful tables. I bet this place is hopping on Saturdays.
A stroll around the block and down Main Street. Oooooh, I do love what they are doing here. This is a vibrant old town. Lots of remodeling and change going on with very few places open on Sunday. We'll need to return on a Saturday to experience it all. It looks like some areas are even creating little courtyard shops.
BackStory Brewery is just a short walk from downtown, so we leave the car and stretch our legs a bit more.They are just opening for the day and we are the first two customers (it's 2:00 in the afternoon). This place is HUGE and I'm pleasantly surprised.
Take a peek around --- it's impressive and they offer so much. In one room a cornhole tournament is getting underway (yes, it's competitive and yes, it's serious here). Other areas include this open section:
It contains shuffle board, pool, ping-pong,
and an area for music and relaxation,
The menu is large and varied -
First up is a Beermosa and a Blood Orange IPA. Both are very tasty indeed.
No comments:
Post a Comment