How would you like to worship here? I saw this online today and thought it was stunning. It's Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in France.
When we were on our honeymoon, in 1987, we went to Vienna, Austria. One of the most amazing things we saw was St. Stephens Cathedral. It was beyond words, I can't think of the right adjectives to fully describe it. Awe inspiring would be the closest. It was built between 1137-1160. During World War II, the cathedral was saved from intentional destruction at the hands of retreating German forces when Captain Gerhard Klinkicht disregarded orders from the city commandant, to "fire a hundred shells and leave it in just debris and ashes. Thank God he did, as it would have been a travesty to destroy this beautiful cathedral. It was really funny, though, In the plaza outside the cathedral, there was a man dressed in a white sheet-type robe, holding a sign. Even though it was written in German, we knew it said, "The end is near". This seems to be a universal message that all grand churches seem to attract!
My response is "Wow and double wow!" I can only imagine looking forward to being at this spot to praise God!
When we were in DC one time, we went to the National Cathedral, and just happened to be there during choir practice. They allowed visitors to sit and listen. Wow!! Absolutely amazing. Between the pipe organ, the acoustics and the beautiful voices - it was powerful and touching. There's also this stunning mosaic. From a distance, you would swear it was a painting, but up close you see all the little pieces of glass. When we were there years ago, you were allowed to go up into the turrets and the view of DC is stunning. The pipe organ The mosaic in the Resurrection Chapel (detail)
Mal, thank you, thank you for this interesting post! I have been to the DC but we did not go to the National Cathedral. This is marvelous indeed!
No visit to DC is complete without seeing the Cathedral. It is truly a work of art. In such a new country as the US, it's amazing to see Gothic architecture. A few interesting facts. It took 83 years to build. It was started in 1907, with Teddy Roosevelt witnessing the laying of the foundation stone. It was completed in 1990 in the presence of President Bush (the first one). Decorative work is still going on. It's design is of Gothic styles from the Middle Ages, with pointed arches and flying buttresses. It has a "Gloria in Excelsis Tower" which is 676 feet tall, making it the highest point in DC. It has two full sets of bells, a 53-bell carillon and a 10-bell peal.
"Smallest Church in America." South Newport, Georgia: The still active Memory Park Christ Chapel is called the "Smallest Church in America." Built in 1950, it measures 10 ft. x 15 ft., has space for 13 people, a shrimpy pulpit, pews and a stained glass window with just enough space for Jesus. "Where two or more are gathered....?
Thanks for posting, it's a great reminder that it doesn't matter how grand, or how humble, our places of worship are. Any place that brings you closer to your God and allows you to feel his presence is the right place for you. If I'm not mistaken, Jesus encouraged his followers to pray outside and told them that they didn't have to go to temple in order to be near God.
@Mal Campbell @Susan Long It always amazes me at how these beautiful structures are made. So ornate and so many years in the construction. Now, we can whip us a ten story condo in a year or two, but nothing like these!
Hi Joe, I think these photos are facinating! Definitely, you would have a great chance to have a 'full house' in these churches every Sunday! Congregations are always encouraged when the room is packed!
These are some breath taking churches no doubt about that. Even the smallest church in America has its own rustic kind of charm. These must be something to see in real life. Somehow I don't think the pictures do them justice. Not only are these beautiful places to look at but the historical significance is there as welll.