I guess Easter is as good a time as any to ask the question – Why do churches have steeples? You can find many differing opinions in essays, studies and other written works. But most common is the idea of "looking up" and/or locating a place to find God. The early church wanted people to "Look up for God" and "Find God" in their places of worship.
In the past neighborhoods were very conscious of their churches, they nearly defined a neighborhood. Now churches need steeples and spires just to be found and with the tall buildings it's difficult to make a mark on the community.
Even some of the bells in the steeples have been silenced recently. But when we do find the church we can "look up" because of the steeples and spires.
Discovering word meanings and relationships is so interesting. For example:
in·spi·ra·tion from Goggle dictionary
1. the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
2. the drawing in of breath; inhalation.
spire from Google dictionary
A spire is a tapering conical or pyramidal structure on the top of a building, often a skyscraper or a church tower. Etymologically, the word is derived from the Old English word spir, meaning a sprout, shoot, or stalk of grass.
Words so simple, but so descriptive. A church is a place of inspiration, a place to search for and find God.
Some modern architecture has reshaped spires and steeples embracing the flow and structure of the building.
Look for steeples and spires in your neighborhood… and have a great Easter.
John Hensrud, REALTOR
RE/MAX Results HomesMSP Team - Sharlene, John, Angela – Twin Cities Realtors
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