Sunday, June 28, 2009


Two buildings serving the same purpose.

I often write of contrasts between the past and present. Today's post is of another kind of contrast...the urban Cathedral and the Country Church. Whether it is the the Cathedral de Notre Dame in Old Montreal or the Methodist Church in Cades Cove, Tennessee...they both offer a place to worship...but how different the two venues are!

My feeling when entering the massive doors of the Cathedral is a sense of the overwhelming power and majesty of God. When I entered one of the doors of the Methodist Church (one door for men and one door for women...at the time men and women sat on opposite sides) I felt a sense of a personal God. Why so different? This is just my opinion...usually the Grand Cathedrals are built in or near bustling urban setting and once inside, one is separated from the noise and the massive Cathedral reminds one of the God's power and presence. Churches such as the one in Cades Cove do not need to remind us of God's power and majesty...for when you step outside you are among the wonders of creation...Nature to me... screams power and majesty.

Both Churches are beautiful in their own ways...both speak to the culture and environment from where they are built. Quite a contrast...I am glad to have both.

16 comments:

Heather said...

{breathless - without words}

:)

septembermom said...

The first photo blew me away. Heavenly in so many ways. Both churches stir the soul.

Sabrina said...

All the places you find God are a reflection of one aspect of Him or another...is it not so? Even in places that seem forsaken in some way, you can feel His sorrow and mercy. These photos are great, Dan.

Heather said...

Wow. So very well said, Dan.
The pictures are fantastic, evoking completely different feelings - as you described so well.

Dan Felstead said...

Heather...I was truly Breathless when I walked in the Cathedral and saw the huge alter area!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Septembermom...
They do both give a feeling of the presence of God in much different ways! Personally, I was awestruck with the Cathedral but the Country Church is more my style!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Sabrina..
You are so right...you don't need a church building if you are aware of your surroundings.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Alabama Heather..

Thanks for the kind words and have a great 4th coming up this weekend.

Dan

Crazy Mo said...

Both pictures evoke a sense of wonder and peace. Wonderful!

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks Crazy Mo...have a great week!

Dan

Dani said...

I love this post! What a neat comparison. I really like your perspective on this. I love the comments too. God is everywhere.

Dan Felstead said...

Dani...thanks....
It is quite a contrast between the two building both built for the same purpose.

Dan

Unknown said...

Although I love the small country church, the first one is breath-taking! Great job!

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks Bobbi...
No doubt the architecture of the Cathedral is something to behold!

Dan

Jean said...

I meandered through Cade's Cove once about 25 years ago. Serene and beautiful!

Dan Felstead said...

Jean...
Thanks for stopping by...you have nailed it...serene and beautiful.

Dan