The Portland daily press., 1867-11-06
Church Edifces.

| VI eiStS, Ollt VI Tic hloS
ue'eiopments ofa nations advance from bar
oarism towards civilization and enliebter-
ment. Heathen and christian peoples alike
| have found in the labor and cost Necessary IN
secure these structures an opportunity to olive
expression TO the religious element OF their
nature. Everywhere and always the charac-
ter OF the places where a people exercise the
solemn privilege OF offering homage to Deity
may be assumed as a fair exponent OF The
habits of thought, general tone and religious
energy OF the individuals OF which the com
munity is an aggregate. The church edilices
OF a city or town afford pretty sure index OF
the religious and moral character OF its in
habitants. Neat, tasteful and well kept
houses of worship attest almost with certain
ty community with whom religion is some
thing more than name, and morality more
than cloak. On the other hand, ill proper
toned, untidy, tumble down meeting-houses
indicate with equal probability different
state of society. 1t is also to be observed that
the converse of this last proposition is equally
true. Neat and elegant churches, like every
thing else which is beautiful and chaste, ex-
ercise upon a community refining, eleyat-
ing and may we not say outstanding infu-
ence, while awkward, Unlocking, slouchy struc-
lures tend to produce a lazy, slovenly and
coarse esthetic and moral tone in people.
The question of the extent to which it is
iustifiable for Christian people to expend
money for the ornamentation of houses of
worship, beyond what is absolutely necessary
for comfort, is one which has been frequently
discussed. Some have claimed that now
when. the call is so loud and pressing from
various benevolent, philanthropic and relig-
ious enterprises in this and foreign lands, and
when so many portions Of our country are
destitute of churches and religious instruc-
ton, the houses of worship even in cities and
large towns should be only convenient and
plain and that beyond this the spirit of true
religion does not allow us TO 90. Others be-
lieve that beauty and even elegance in place
OF worship is not incompatible with the most
devout piety, and that the adornments of the
Sanctuary of the Most High should equal at
least those Of our dwellings.
If church is built after classic and ap-
proved architectural models and made ele
CANT and costly simply to pander to the pride
and vanity Of those who profess TO worship
within its walls, it is one thing; but if it is
so built as an expression of love and reyer-
enee for the Supreme Architect of the Uni
verse in whose name and to whose worship
it isd edicated, it is quite another. But what
are the facts? Do cheap and plain houses of
worship denote particularly devout people,
or a church made up of individuals remarka-
BILE for active piety, benevolence and good
works? Does not poor Westinghouse more
frequently indicate lack OF reli igious interest
its members rather than a lack of means to
make it better? 1t is true that some socie-
ties are poor, and unable to have elegant
churches, but few are so poor that many of
their members do not own good and even
elegant houses.
The most attractive objects Of a city are its
public buildings and churches. These are
looked upon as exponents of the character,
wealth and enterprise of the place, and the
churches should compare favorably in point of
style and elegance with otherpublie buildings
Such being the fact 1t is matter of public in
terest to encourage as far as possible without
reference TO sects or denominations, the er6c
ton OF beautiful and elegant churches, as cal
culated in no small degree 20 draw peope
from abroad as visitors and residents. Nor is
the effect of such structures in moulding and
influencing the character Of our people to be
forgotten.
The great fire lett many of our religious So
cieties comparatively poor, and with limited
means to rebuild their houses of worship.
Several however are making strenuous efforts
IN tnf7-ai.Antinn and the public sentiment of
our people should encourage them to erect
such houses as will not only be a credit to the
societies which build them, but also an orna-
ment to that part of the city laid waste in the
great confagration. As an enterprising city
we can afford to do no less.