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Pleasant Grove First Baptist Church – for 103 years, she's stood on Bucker Blvd. in Pleasant Grove, a suburb of Dallas, a beacon in the community, welcoming those who were looking for the Lord or as a home to those who had already found Him and came here to worship. Sadly, the day has come and "the property" has been sold – there has been a remnant trying to hang on, but as older members died and younger ones moved away, it became increasingly apparent that it was just a matter of time and those faithful few would have to sell. Through my eyes, the building is just as beautiful today as it was over 26 years ago when I stepped inside for the first time. This is the church where I met and married my husband – where his mother has been a member all of her life and his grandparents for most of theirs. This is the church where our children were dedicated to the Lord, where our nephew preached his first sermon, and where just recently we said goodbye to a much loved grandmother who had served in the nursery for over 50 years. We know that "the church" isn't bricks and stones, but individuals, yet when you've been in a loved place of worship, it becomes a part of you and it's hard to say goodbye.

These pictures are my attempt to capture one last glimpse – unfortunately by the time I was able to photograph the sanctuary, most of the pews along with the pulpit and other furniture had been removed, but the spirit and love that has prevailed for 103 years can still be felt here today and will be carried in the hearts of those leaving as they move to their new place of worship. To stand here and see the warm sun streaming in through the stained glass windows on a chilly December day is nothing short of heavenly.

I hope these pictures reflect the many years of love and worship that was experienced and felt in this place.

Brenda Bates