I've always loved old buildings, especially churches. The high peaks, the elegantly arched windows and the hours of work that went into the stained-glass. The back doors were usually quite plain but the front doors - the doors of WELCOME - would make up for that by being larger, perhaps with some intricate and fancy carvings, waiting open at the top of the steps! The cross on top would announce to people for miles around that "Here we are!" and the pealing of bells would say "We are open! Welcome to the Lord's House!" The old country churches, though, are the best. They had the qualities of the larger churches but on a smaller scale, thus speaking of the more humble means of the congregation and often the more humble attitude. If the locals had to pay for the building and its contents on their own, things were bound to be much more meagre, as well as more appreciated and cared for.
The thing that stands out for me the most is the wood - old hardwood floors, wooden pews, wooden windows and sills and trim, solid wood doors throughout and the beautifully-shined organs. Some buildings were made inside and out of wood, others of stone. This wood was always shiny and oh, so lovely-looking!
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Declining numbers and government regulations have closed a number of these beautiful, old buildings. Some have been renovated into houses and stores and some simply left to fall down in rot. I'd like to at least show a few of them before any more do