In Praise of Churches...

from the Advent 2011 newsletter

While I was browsing the web, one day, I came across a wonderful blog written by a local "Church Lady", Suzanne Wilson, who has compiled a history of churches in North America, Monaco and the Vatican. Her concise, but thoroughly researched blog is called, "Churches on Sundays". A blessing for us all. http://www.churchesonsundays.blogspot.com/

Our Library also has some very good books on churches, and Church, history. There have been more than a few of these books donated by various church members. Here is just a small selection of what you can find on our Library shelf:
Pacific Pilgrims, by Lyndon Grove (1979): A 120 history of the Anglican Church in BC and its "pilgrims".
In Praise of Churches, by John Betjeman and Paul Hogarth (1996): A wonderfully illustrated guide and evocation of the church and church life -- High and Low, Matins, Evensong, etc.
The English Parish Church, by Gerald Randall (1988): A summary of the evolution of parish churches in England, from Pre-Gothic to the present day.
Cathedrals and Abbeys of England, by the Very Reverend Stephen Platten, Dean of Norwich (1999): A guide to over 60 of England's most visited cathedrals and abbeys.

These books, and more, along with Suzanne Wilson's blog would make for excellent Christmas reading, with plenty of pictures to enjoy.

I love thy Church, O God!
Her walls before thee stand.
Dear as the apple of thine eye,
And graven on thy hand.
Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heavenly ways,
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise.

~from the hymn, "I Love Thy Kingdom Lord" by Timothy Dwight, 1752-1817

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year 2012.

~submitted by M.C.