Thursday, August 25, 2011

The Church




 ""And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
Matthew 16:18

Welcome to St. Andrews Church in Roanoke, Virginia, a national and state historic landmark. Come along with Phil and I as we take a short tour. It was finished being built and was dedicated in 1902, and amazingly at that time only cost $108,000! That is the price of a small house today! Over 1,600 families attend this church. O.K., I know I know I posted too many pictures, but these aren't even half of what I took! Personally, I am rather uncomfortable with such a large and ornate structure, I just can't quite feel at home in it. But this is truly beautiful.


"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!"
Ephesians 3:20,21

25 comments:

DawnTreader said...

An "awesome" building. I agree it is not the kind that makes you feel immediately "at home" but it looks like a good place for contemplation.

Hootin Anni said...

I'm awe struck. Not only by the beautiful interior and exterior, but you blog's header image. Wow.

I just heard the other day that our National Cathederal [and it is sooooooooo beautiful] - some of the inspiring spires were lost due to the earthquake in Washington D.C. Hope it can be repaired to the original design.



Good news and some MORE good news is my Friday post. Hope your weekend goes smoothly!!!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Gorgeous, Ginny... I love to visit gorgeous churches. The stained-glass windows are awesome... Such great pictures... I can certainly understand your problem of too many pictures... I have that problem ALOT.. ha ha

I'll bet that church has a fabulous pipe organ. That is one thing I truly love about those large churches. Oh My Heart!!!!

Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Betsy

From the Kitchen said...

I recognized that church immediately! I've seen it since birth!! Have never been inside. Beautiful photos. Nice memories.

Best,
Bonnie

LC said...

Not too many photos at all. Thanks for wonderful tour of this beautiful church! And your header is a perfect intro to our tour.

RoeH said...

I MUST go see this church next time I go out to DC. I just love all the architecture of these buildings. And preferably OLD buildings.

MadSnapper said...

it is truly beautiful, every part and piece of it, magnificent glass and windows, and the outside is stunning. what appeals to me the most is that bell tower. i love it. have not seen a free standing bell like that. it is awesome, but i am with you sista, not one i would be comfy in, I like smaller churches. one thing is one would never get bored if the sermon was long or boring, because there is plenty to look at.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I've always admired it but never been inside. Next time you're coming to Roanoke let me know - we'd love to meet up with you!

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Gorgeous! I love your "too many pictures"....they are breathtaking!

Ruth Hiebert said...

THere is a lot of beauty here,but I agree with you,I prefer a smaller more intimate setting.

Kanak said...

A very beautiful church indeed! Glad you posted that many pictures. A treat to see such a beautiful structure- inside and outside.

Reanaclaire said...

These Catholic churches look almost the same everywhere throughout the world.. they are awesome looking, aint they? How do they sculpture those designs... i used to wonder..

Beverly said...

Those photos are beautiful. Another place to visit sometime when I'm in Virginia.

Darlene said...

Beautiful photos (and not too many)! I wouldn't feel than comfortable either, but, it is definitely awe-inspiring!

George said...

This is a beautiful building. I admit I'm drawn to these beautiful churches. I've been fortunate enough to visit several cathedrals in England, and this is every bit as beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Karin said...

You do take photos of gorgeous places! Thanks for sharing! I think the original builders possibly had in mind to honor and glorify God by crafting something so spectacular and amazing! God just wants our simple, trusting heart to live in! Anything we can make, God can do so much better!

Chatty Crone said...

Are you near Roanoke Virginia? One of my great friends lives there - small world/

Love the header stained glass windows.

And that church is so pretty. What denomination?

Joanne said...

I love stained glass and how the light streams through it! This looks like a beautiful church.
Blessings, Joanne

SquirrelQueen said...

Ginny, you did not post too many photos of this amazing structure, I love them all. I love the architecture of buildings like this one. The stained glass is gorgeous!

S. Etole said...

It's breathtaking in its majestic architecture.

Ann said...

What a beautiful church that is. I drive by several churches every day, nothing as grand as this one but I've been wanting to take pictures of every one.

Judy Royal Glenn said...

I love the photo at the top of your blog. It is beautiful! Also, the photo of the angel. I have had to ask for a lot of their help in helping defeat the enemy lately.

Bobbie said...

WOW!!! Not too many pictures.. I enjoyed every one! You and Phil are always on the go doing some of the neatest things, and going to unique places. I love how you guys enjoy life and LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!!!

Rose said...

Oh, my, it really is beautiful!

Lynn said...

The architecture in this church is stunning. The stained glass windows, the alter are all magnificient. That being said, give me a white clapboard country church any day. My faith is very strong, yet very simple and I would not feel close to the Lord in such a church. However, just like HE uses all of us to reach different people in different ways, this is only my opinion of what would not work for me. I would love to see this close up and personal on a photographic hunt, just not worship there.

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