I would like to start out by telling you a little bit about myself as a child. When I was younger, I used to have a shelf on my dresser full of broken possessions I had acquired over time. These weren't possessions I myself had broken, but more possessions (or treasures I might say) that I rescued from going to the dump. I wanted these things to live out their destiny, for which they were created. I remember one item in particular; a small porcelain bunny. The ear was broken off and glued back on. I still have that bunny packed away in a box (along with all my other possessions at the moment). I rescued that bunny and have given it a good life...a life better than the dump!
Now, most of you probably believe that inanimate objects don't have feelings. My head tells me they don't, but my child-like heart tells me they do. Enough storytelling. Now I want you to go on the bus with me.
I was on the 23, sitting up top, in the very front, staring out the window. It was a cold, crisp day, yet sunny and beautiful. All the sudden a church caught my eye. This wasn't any church. This was an abandoned church in the middle of a city. How odd. This church intrigued me so much that I had to pay another visit to it. When I went back to visit it, all these thoughts kept going through my head. Think of all the potential this church had when it was built. This potential was not just as a church, but as a beautiful piece of architecture. Now, it stands here abandoned and beat up. Surely someone could use this building. Instead it stands empty and beat up. Not only is it's exterior beat up, but its heart is too. This church was so proud of itself at one time. I am sure many a people flocked thru its doors during its heyday. It got to listen to people sing beautiful music, watch peoples hearts be changed, see children run around and laugh. Now, it stands there empty and alone. And I ask myself why?
This is one thing that breaks my heart about Britain. There are so many church buildings, beautiful pieces of architecture built for the glory of God, no longer used for their purpose. Some have been abandoned. Some have been turned into community centers. Some have been turned into nightclubs and bars. These poor churches. Their hearts are hurting.
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And the hearts of the people in Europe are hurting even more! Beautifully written post. I love the photographs of the church. It is much too interesting to be standing abandoned.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful church.... I'm sure it is glad that you took the time to notice and wonder about its story. The poor thing has broken windows.... I think it needs some TLC.... hopefully one day it will return to its full glory. :)
ReplyDeleteI often look at buildings that are in poor shape and wonder about the people that built them. They had such high expectations at the time, but today, well it is like looking at wasted potential. Sort of like man, made in the Glory of God....yet have we fullfilled our potential....
ReplyDeleteTHIS REMINDS ME OF YOUR DAD AND YOUR FAMILY. WE WERE ALL DRIVING TO OR FROM SOMEPLACE AND HE DROVE US BY A CHURCH THAT HAD BEEN CLOSED AND WAS GOING TO BECOME A BAR. THERE IS MUCH SORROW WITH THE CLOSING OF A CHURCH AND HOW IT AFFECTS THE LIVES OF ITS MEMBERS. THIS HITS VERY CLOSE TO HOME FOR JIM AND BRENDA.
ReplyDeleteOUR CHURCH SANCTUARY BURNED THIS PAST TUESDAY (3/12/08). IT WAS AN ATTIC FIRE AND WE HAVE MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR, BUT WE WON'T BE HAVING SERVICES INSIDE FOR AWHILE. PASTOR JOHN IS GETTING A BANNER TO PUT UP INVITING PEOPLE TO COME TO A CHURCH ON FIRE. I WILL TAKE PICTURES. THERE IS ARE SPARKS OF REVIVAL AND RENEWAL AMONG OUR PEOPLE SO WE VIEW THIS AS A GOOD SIGN THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ON THE MOVE AMONG OUR PEOPLE. WHAT THE ENEMY MEANT TO DEMORALIZE US GOD MEANS FOR HIS GOOD AND OUR GOOD.