C&T Publications 50 States of Art - 2015 | Page 94

Stephen Stookey – Texas
Stephen Stookey, Ph.D.
A photographer, historian and ordained minister, Stephen Stookey, Ph.D., captures
the stories of locations with intrinsic historical importance, cultural influence,
religious significance &/or natural beauty, including the animate & inanimate
objects occupying the space.

Stephen’s 20+ year career as a seminary and college professor-- teaching religious history, theology and leadership studies--opens
doors to lecture and photograph at locations across the United States and around the world. Photography is an integral component
in Stephen’s courses, lectures and presentations. His academic expertise and skills in photography combine in his current volunteer
project as Historical Consultant for the Texas Baptist Historical Museum in Independence, Texas—birthplace of Baylor University,
Stephen’s alma mater. Sic ‘em, Bears!
"Photography allows me to connect audiences with timeless stories from locations of intrinsic beauty, historical importance and
spiritual significance."
Connecting the stories of time and place through photography, Stephen’s portfolio offers a range of inspirational images fro m
nature to religious architecture and historical landmarks. Images are accompanied with descriptive summaries highlighting the
stories of time and place.
Stephen and his wife, Beverly, reside in Fort Worth, TX along with their three turtles—Boxer, Ruby and Speedy the Three-LeggedWonder-Turtle. Stephen and Beverly have two college-aged children and the tuition bills to prove it.

Website:
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/stephen-stookey.html

Here is my piece. It is called Texas Hill Country Sunset.
Art United Methodist Church (Art, Texas) sits in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Spring blankets the rural church grounds in Texas
bluebonnets. Organized in 1856 by German immigrants, Art Methodist held all worship services in German until 1927. The present
stone church dates to 1890--replacing earlier church structures built in 1858 (log structure) and 1875 (stone church and school).
Art's two Methodist churches united in 1939.
German settlers populated the Texas Hill Country in the 1800s, and remnants of Texas-German culture remain in the area. The early
German settlement of Art, TX, gave way to growing nearby towns. Today, the Mason County town consists of the church, a post
office, and a couple of buildings. Recent census data counted 18 residents. Art United Methodist still ministers to those in the
community.
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