Heavenly Glow
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven ..." interpretation from Ecclesiastes 
On cloudless days, sometimes the sun is positioned just right to give the steeple a heavenly glow. 
The humble Holy Cross Catholic Church in Crescent Beach, built by parishioners in 1946 in Carpenter Gothic style, was recently sold with the blessings of Rome. Sitting on valuable property just steps away from the beach, its sale will likely help finance future Catholic endeavors in nearby White Rock. Serving various functions over the years, the church had been rented to the All Saints Anglican community which hoped to purchase the building, in part, through fundraising. However, I'm not clear if they are the new owners at this writing. In contrast to much more elaborate places of worship, the church's construct might be considered one of elegant efficiency.
The Poets and Storytellers United prompt “elegant sufficiency” is a centuries-old term, perhaps meant tongue-in-cheek, when lack of wealth necessitates simplicity in a world filled with gluttony and excess. So we take heart in knowing that bigger and more are not always better and take pleasure when nice, but time-worn, things are restored.
The Sunflower Cafe nearby is another cozy gathering place. The original former owner started the business in 1999, focusing on nourishing local foods that have the taste of home cooking, similarly on the menu today. A new mural (above) is currently being painted onto the building's modest exterior wall by local artist Carla Maskall.
The functional relatively short pier at Crescent Beach is a marvel of simplicity adorned only by walkers. First erected in 1912, planks are replaced as needed. Posts and beams are regularly maintained and/or repainted.
Most recently, paint was dabbed onto a fresh face. The rock radiated its own special glow even as the clouds rolled in. The stony heart wore its unbroken smile despite a sudden teary shower.
What could be more elegant or sufficient ... no gem could ever hold, nor photo show, the iridescent glow of a single lovely raindrop.
Explore more at Poets and Storytellers United, SKYWATCH and Saturday's Critters.
Check out my sites: Postcards from Penelope Puddle and Musings of A Puddlist In B.C.
Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.
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| HOLD ONTO THE LIGHT |
Hello,
ReplyDeleteRecently a church was sold in our area, the church style buildings seem hard to repurpose for anything other than being another church, another religion? The painted stone is cute, love the beach scene and the droplets. Rain is so refreshing, we could use some rain here. Take care, have a great day and happy weekend.
I love small wooden churches. This one is wonderful; I hope the Anglican church bought it. I'd hate for it to be torn down for development.
ReplyDeleteI love the term "elegant sufficiency." It implies just enough. When I was an engineer, I loved elegant, simple designs that got the job done at a reasonable cost.
ReplyDeleteA lovely church. Wonderful photo of the sun behind the steeple!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post and photos. Elegant sufficiency is a good description of the church.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful interpretations, all! (I liked the reframing into 'elegant simplicity.')
ReplyDeleteYour second verse is exactly how I feel also. And as always, beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteLove the sunflower mural. And your poem. Of all our friends and families, we're the ones with the least stuff. We learned early on after moving from a 4-bedroom house to a 1-bedroom condo and then to a boat. Even so, we still have too much stuff!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
The stony heart wore its unbroken smile despite a sudden teary shower. What could be more elegant or sufficient ... to me it feels like brave resilience, despite the odds...more power to that smile!!!
ReplyDelete"I have enough, thanks," is becoming a more frequent part of conversation, with others and to myself. It's a mantra that brings contentment and feels good.
ReplyDeleteAS always the words and pictures really work so well . Well done.
ReplyDeleteAll the interpretations and explanations unveil the truth around, necessitating to choose an elegant sufficiency.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting. The first time this page opened, only one photo showed. The essay makes more sense this time, with the photos!
ReplyDeletePK
The simple, white church is beautiful. “Elegant sufficiency” reminded me of “less is more”. I feel people’s respect in the well taken cared Sunflower Café, repainted pier, and the rock. The simple, functional pier is only adorned with walkers – a lovely idea. Incidentally, in my hometown Kobe, former Kobe Union Church is repurposed after its moving to other place as a nice café by a German Bakery of which owner fell in love with the structure.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that the Vatican doesn't put its money into churches, they are soo rich !! Your photos are beautiful, I love the sunflower !
ReplyDeletePenelope, what a lovely post!
ReplyDeleteThe Holy Cross Catholic Church and its glowing steeple are beautifully described. I hope the new owners cherish its history.
The Sunflower Cafe's mural and the well-kept pier are wonderful community treasures.
Thank you for sharing these glimpses of Crescent Beach – they remind us of the beauty in simplicity.
Small slices of life are all the I require.. I love that..
ReplyDelete"Sunrise is my gold". What a wonderful way to feel. Stunning photos.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, raindrops on a leaf is the most welcome sight that one can have.
ReplyDeleteLove the painted rock! Rain would definitely be refreshing right now. These images are most enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Maria. I hadn’t known about the extreme heat in Western Canada. This year’s heat is too early and is outrageous. High humidity here makes us gasp for fresh air while hot and dry air in your place can cause wild fires. It feels getting harder and harder to survive in various many respects worldwide. Stay cool, and take care.
ReplyDelete