Rock Church and Night Sky Outing: Aug. 9, 2025

  • 8 p.m. to 12 midnight, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025; gate locked at midnight
  • Old Rock/St. Olaf Church and Night Sky, Cranfills Gap, Texas; view a map.
  • Photographic opportunities include a full moon, sky and star trails; the Milky Way will not be visible.
  • Above, by Roy O’Rear; below, by John Nixon

St. Olaf Lutheran Church, also known the Old Rock Church, sits on the prairie west of Hillsboro, about 85 miles south of Fort Worth. The church overlooks the Meridian Creek Valley, 4 miles east of Cranfills Gap. The church was founded in 1886 and remains in use today.

  • Meet John Nixon at the gate at 8 p.m. The club will pay the $60 photography fee to the church gatekeeper.
  • A maximum of 20 photographers will be admitted.
  • John will bring lighting for the interior.
  • The sun sets at 8:20 p.m., and the moon rises at 8:52, so we have an hour to get set up. 
  • We will be required to leave the facility at midnight. 
  • The gates will be locked at midnight.
  • Be mindful of light scatter. Use red or non-reflective lights, and remember to be courteous and aware of others as we set up tripods and move around the area to capture great photos.
  • Bring water, wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing.

Learn About Night Photography at our Aug. 7, 2025 Program