Blackbear Church
7/20/2007
Northern Oklahoma
Moon: 35% Waxing
Geomagnetic Field: Unsettled
Solar X-Rays: Normal
Outdoor Temperature at Start of Investigation: 86.7 F
Outdoor Humidity at Start of Investigation: 72%
Team Members Present:
Danny, Ivan, Tim
Equipment Used:
Canon Powershot A 630 Camera
Digital Ambient 2-Zone Temperature Gage & Hygrometer
Ghost Meter EMF Meter
Digital Voice Recorder with External Multi-Directional Microphone
History:
Little is known about Blackbear Church, and historical information has been difficult to come by. The building was constructed in July 1941 and was known as the New Bethany Baptist Church. The nearby Blackbear cemetery (possibly related) has graves dating back to the 1890s. Though the nearby cemetery has a history to the 1890s, it is not clear if a former church was constructed on the same site that goes back to that time (cemeteries are often located next to churches). It is also not clear exactly how long the building has been vacant, though from it's condition, a guess of at least decades is probably not unreasonable. The structure is surrounded by pasture. It is a relatively small building, as churches go, with a small sanctuary, pulpit area, two side rooms, and a basement underneath the pulpit area. The walls of the sanctuary are lined with windows. The decrepit old building has been vandalized throughout with various obscenities, names, and satanic themed symbols. It has been rumored that satanic rituals have taken place on the property, but this may be due to some of the graffiti, which may be only the result of adolescent pranksters.
Reports of paranormal activity at the location have been numerous, with many other investigation groups claiming shadow people, strange noises, anomalous lights, feelings of illness, and feelings of dread. Some people have claimed to have felt an evil presence.
Initial Walkthrough:
Front Entrance:
Temperature: 86.7
Humidity: 70%
EMF Reading: 0
No noted anomalous activity.
Sanctuary:
Temperature: 86.7
Humidity: 70%
EMF Reading: 0
No noted anomalous activity.
Northwest Room:
Temperature: 86.7
Humidity: 70%
EMF Reading: 0
No noted anomalous activity.
Pulpit Area:
Temperature: 86.7
Humidity: 70%
EMF Reading: 0
No noted anomalous activity.
Southwest Room:
Temperature: 86.7
Humidity: 70%
EMF Reading: 0
No noted anomalous activity.
Basement:
Temperature: 90.5
Humidity: 66%
EMF Reading: 0
No noted anomalous activity. Noteworthy was that there were many birds roosted in nests on the ceiling, which could be the cause of some witnessed paranormal activity by some, although not likely from our sources.
Outside Church:
Temperature: 86.7
Humidity: 70%
EMF Reading: 0
No noted anomalous activity.
Second Walkthrough:
No changes or anomalous activities were noted.
Stationary Study in Pulpit Area:
No changes from baseline readings were noted.
We recorded an Audible But Garbled EVP. Anyone present (besides the team) was asked to knock to show his/her presence, then Ivan was asked by Danny if the temperature had changed. This EVP happened approximately one minute after Ivan's answer of no.
Stationary Study in Basement:
No changes from baseline readings were noted.
No anomalous activity was noted.
Conclusions:
Although this structure is ominous and spooky in its appearance, we found very little activity here, aside from the one potential EVP. It was very quiet, except for the occasional mooing of a cow. We noticed none of the reported activity. but that is not to say that it is not present. Unfortunately, the paranormal does not answer on demand. The reported activity of this place comes form highly respected and trustworthy sources. We simply were unable to experience it.
However, we very much enjoyed our visit to this location and hope to one day return for comparison's sake. We wish to give this place the best opportunity we can for experiencing what others have experienced before. Perhaps we can revisit under different conditions to see if other things may have an effect, such as increased solar weather, increased activity in the geomagnetic fields, or under a full or completely waxing moon.