Monday 27 July 2009

Encouraging All

"Encouraging all people to become fully committed followers of Jesus Christ" is the slogan of Cambray Baptist Church. Best of luck with that one! Can you tell I'm not religious?! I'm not against people believing in whatever they want or finding strength and comfort in a higher being, but its a tall order trying to convert all people. I bet lots of people are happy not to be encouraged.

Whatever you think about religion and the people there-in they know/knew how to build impressive churches. This one is a bit plainer than the normal heavy stone and spire-topped ones that are common right across the UK, but it is none-the-less a fantastic building. It looms large and stands proud on Cambray Place, right next to the High Street. The building dates back to 1855, although the first Cheltenham Baptists were formed in 1690 and used to worship in a disused malt house. The congregation that became Cambray Baptist Church was formed in 1843 and the then churchgoers raised the money to build this building.

What are your thoughts on religion and church buildings?
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9 comments:

Hilda said...

I have noticed that Baptist churches aren't as ornate as Catholic churches here too. Its details are still lovely though, and those bright blue doors add a lot of cheer to it.

Saretta said...

I think religion is man's expression of his need to make sense of this world and to seek a higher purpose. And that all religious forms are valid, but not mutually exclusive, as long as people live and let live rather than deciding that only their way is right. Marley...what a big question!

Mo said...

An institution of control freaks

Ken Mac said...

i am a Christian, but you can't force Christianity on anyone. You can only do as the Spirit leads. And their slogan sounds pretty gentle to me!

eamon@ewmphotography said...

Since you ask, Marley, I'm a rational atheist - and an anti-theist when I find religious thinking promoting intolerance of the other.

I do however find churches and other places of worship fascinating places - they are living museums, rich repositories of history and culture. What's not to like..?

Clueless in Boston said...

Actually, for a Baptist church it is more ornate than most I have seen. I like your composition and nice tight cropping.

Unknown said...

Really nice façade!

As to your question, well, I'm not a religious person, so I think I've said it all... As to churches I really appreciate them on the architectural side as any other building or monument.

Tash said...

did we see those blue doors before? or were they other blue doors. Fancy window treatment there.
On churches - I just love them inside and out, and I love the service, mass, etc. but I am not religious either. Go figure.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Not for me but I do love old churches in a Tash way.

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