Gothic styled churches proliferated at a time when the economy was strong and ethnic populations worshipped together as groups.
Traveling through a small city in Western Massachusetts merited a stop at a very majestic and nicely kept church.
The stained glass windows and architecturally pleasing arches, alone, made the stop well worthwhile. Sun streamed through the large, high windows, creating rainbow colored rays.
Stations of the cross which detailed the passion of Christ lined the walls between smaller stained glass windows.
Candles flickered in blue holders in a side altar in the front vestibule of the church.
The architecture of churches built decades ago tends to be quite ornate, massive, and impressive.
Ornate statuary adorned the outside of the church.
Steeples jutted high into the sky. The sun beat down on crosses that nearly touched the clouds.
It's a safe bet to say they just don't make churches like this anymore.
DO YOU HAVE ORNATE STYLED CHURCHES WHERE YOU LIVE?
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16 comments:
This is a gorgeous church! A few weeks ago, we visited Santa Fe where we visited the Cathedral of St. Francis which is beautiful too. The La Conquistadora, the oldest representation of the Virgin Mary in the United States rests here. But the little adobe churches in the villages were equally impressive. Have you visited that area, Susan?
Hi Susan: I love old churches. I have visited all the Missions in California, simply because of their beauty. Have a wonderful week. Blessings, Martha
What a beautiful church! Very nice photos...
Yes, we did have some beautiful ornate churches in our area. The church were my Baptism, Confirmation, and Wedding was held is now closed. All due to the scandal a few years back. It was a sad day for parishes all over. Two of the most ornate churches closed. The church you visited today was lovely.
Looks just like the church I was married in...lovely pictures!
Beautiful church. I especially like the stained glass. There is a Luthern church near the downtown condo that also has gorgeous stained glass,
Jane
Lovely pictures, great post, Susan!
You may want to check out Claudia's blog, she recently posted about churches too...
Here is the link to her post:
http://claudiaguatemala.blogspot.com/2010/10/art-and-treasures.html
Enjoy!
Doris
Hi Susan,
I love the stained glass, but I get more of a sense of awe when I see OLD, small clapboard churches in the country. I think of early settlers. All I see is dollar signs at the upkeep and building of such ornate and gargantuan structures. But that's just me. A house of worship can be any size. Thanks for sharing.
What a grand church, love the details. I find it interesting that every architectural detail is symbolic and purposeful. Thanks for the tour!
How beautiful! We have some in neighboring towns, but none in our immediate area. My SIL got married in a church like this it was soo beautiful!
Enjoy your day!
Leann
I live in MA, too. I've been here for only two years, but I have to say, the stonework here is breathtaking. Lately, as the trees have been changing colors and my eyes have been in constant motion taking in their beauty, I have been surprised to find so many steeples sticking out. So beautiful!!
Amazing pictures. I want to go there. B.K.
aok
It s funny - our earliest churches was the school house and then these ornate churches and now they are different yet. I have to admit I do love the stained glass though. sandie
We have a gorgeous older church in Coeur d' Alene - St. Thomas. Beautiful windows and marble. In Spokane we have St. Ignacius on the campus of Gonzaga University, which is also stunning.
I grew up in St. Paul/Minneapolis which is littered with wonderful churches.
I wrote about the treasures in Guatemalan churches some weeks ago. Maybe you got a chance to stop by? There are very beautiful churches in Guatemala, both simple and with intricate architecture. Every single one of them, though, posses paintings and images that, though simple as a church, they make it rich and interesting to visit and admire.
This you share is certainly a fancy one, filled with little details that make it intriguing and a treat to the eye. Thanks for sharing!!
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