Church of the Incarnation
New York City
- June, 2010
I took pictures of the Church of the Incarnation on Madison and 35th Street. I was there months ago but was uncertain then whether photography was allowed so I only stood at the entrance and took a shot of the nave.
This time, I met a man seated behind a table by the entrance so I asked for permission. He was wearing iPod earplugs and had to remove them to hear me repeat my question. “Yes,” he said. Then, as if to assure me he meant it, added, “Feel free”.
Still, I felt uncertain and moved slowly. I wanted to show respect. Churches in my mind are a house of worship and an unkempt paparazzo like me poking my camera at the most sacrosanct of objects is not the primary reason for their being.
I planted my gorillapod on the floor of the center aisle. I crouched and took shots of the altar. I then turned around and did the same at the entrance behind me, the gallery above, and the stained glass window.
While doing this I heard a man speak softly behind me, “He’s taking pictures.” He then repeated this a little louder as if he wasn’t heard the first time.
When I was done I stood up and turned around. I saw a frail, old woman -- she reminded me of Nancy Reagan in her later years -- with a walking stick and being aided by a younger man. Apparently, they were waiting for me to finish so they can pass. The old woman was looking at me with big inquiring eyes and flashing a very wide smile.
As I stepped aside, the old woman continued to smile, keeping her head turned at me as they walked past, her arm being held by the younger man. There was no uncertainty in her smile -- just a smile as best as anyone could give. She seemed “joyous”, if that made any sense, at whatever it was I was doing.
I then took pictures of a small, darkly-lit chapel to the left of the altar. According to the pamphlet I picked up at the vestibule, this was the Chapel of the Nativity.
On my way out I stopped by the man behind the desk to say thanks. He removed his earplugs again and asked if I saw the Chapel of the Nativity. I said I did. He asked if there was enough light because he can go there and turn on some lights. Surprised at this gesture I said, no, I like taking pictures in low light. I added I’m not a professional, just a hobbyist learning photography. With only a hint of a smile his eyes looked down then looked back at me and said, “So am I.”
I always thought that people who worked in churches -- especially one of such antiquity as the Incarnation -- were always after greater glory. They, in my mind, had only heaven on their minds. But the man proved me wrong. I suppose like regular, everyday people -- and maybe even that man who died on the cross if given the chance -- they, too, can take the time to share passions, photography being one, that are purely of this earth.
(Source for all quoted passages: A Guide to the Interior of Church of the Incarnation)
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