One night when David Graves was growing up, his dad took him and his family up to their church — Pineview Baptist in Thomasville — and left the lights off.
Graves said it was a “core memory” for him, seeing the light shining through the stained glass windows and hitting the pews.
That memory inspired his recent project — a coffee table book called “Alabama Faith,” which features about 150 photos of stained glass windows from 75 churches across Alabama. Pineview is one, as are First Baptist Fairhope, First Baptist Montgomery and First Baptist Sylacauga. Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal and Catholic churches are also featured.
The windows range from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century, and Graves said the colors, pews and the light shining through the glass all tell a story.
‘A message of hope resonates’
“Week after week, generation after generation, a message of hope resonates,” said Graves, a photographer, University of Mobile graduate and member of The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham. “People have walked through these doors weary, hopeless and tired, only to be met with grace, hope and love.”
He said he hopes people will “find their own memory” as they look through the book.
“With ‘Alabama Faith,’ I hope to invite viewers to slow down and appreciate the intricate beauty and craftsmanship of these stained glass windows,” Graves said.
“Each window is a testament to the community, faith and family that have shaped Alabama’s history,” he noted. “This book is more than just a collection of photographs — it’s a celebration of the bigger picture that connects us all.”
“Alabama Faith” is available here.
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