If an effort to notice more in my life, I have decided to share what I have noticed this week in Take Three Thursday. The idea is to take 3 photos that are linked some how; by theme, by colour, by date, by moment, by points of view. There is no formal link in but please feel free to join in. What have you noticed this week?
See what some others have noticed this week:
Maggie at: Farmers Wife Day By Day.
Helena at: Helenascreativemaven
Eileen at: In My Playroom
This week my noticing is from last week, when we were touring buildings in the Open Door program. The first photo is of the big Anglican church in Guelph. One thing I really like about this church is that the high alter coloured window faces east to the Holy Land. This church's only true stained glass window faces west. The second photo is of the really big Roman Catholic church in Guelph. It has just undergone a huge renovation which cost millions. It is so beautiful inside & out. My third photo is of our own little village Anglican church, which was built in 1853 & had an addition added in 2000. It's original high alter stained glass window also faces east. I find it most interesting that in a vast majority of Anglican churches, the interior is so very similar, which makes it feel like coming home no matter the actual location.
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| St George's Anglican |
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| Church of Our Immaculate Lady Roman Catholic |
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| St John's Anglican |
All of the churches are locked up tight when not in active use, which I think is very sad but understandable. A senior lady of the church, told me she remembers a time when churches were open 24/7 so that people had a place of quiet, a place for prayer, reflection & counsel & that the minister was there at the church everyday. I am not saying that a church is the only place you can find quiet for reflection & prayer. So many churches worry about being vandalized, being sued & they are worried about their very continuation as the funds aren't there to support the building & running costs. Many of the ministers & priests have other outside jobs & or provide services to other churches. Our minister is shared with a church in Hamilton (about an hour away).
A beautiful place! I agree; our church is no longer open to the public during the day unless there is some event planned for exactly the reasons you state. It makes all of us sad.
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say? It's a real shame.
ReplyDeleteOh, such lovely photos today! Yes, I remember when churches weren't locked up & it's a shame that there really isn't much other option these days.
ReplyDeleteThe churches are lovely. I agree, it's sad the churches are now locked up. I remember when all were open as well and I suppose some still are in places, but not nearly so much as before. I pass by the Guelph signs often when traveling through Ontario. It's lovely to know these beautiful churches are there!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to thank you for coming by the Marmelade Gypsy and sharing such a kind comment. I am keeping good thoughts for Deb's Annie.
I can remember when all churches were open all the time. A couple of village churches are still open all day but locked at night. It's a sad reflection on today's society.
ReplyDeleteReally like the top one, but I love how real care and funds seem to have been put into the design and maintenance of all of them. So many near me are bare brick/boxy/minimalist and while some are quite effective, most are rather uninspiring in and of themselves. And yes, most are sadly locked when not in active use.
ReplyDeleteYes very sad that so may churches have to be locked. A few are open during the day. I believe that the high altar is normally in the east and the main door in the west.
ReplyDeleteI agree, so sad that churches have to be locked up nowadays. Great photos! I hope to join in next week.
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