Discover Some Engrossing Features About Churches And Its Evolution

By Timothy Reed


No matter where your location is, you may have encountered this type of building one time or another. For those who grew up with religious parents or guardians, then you most likely have been to one a couple of times growing up. These structures were established by loyal practitioners of certain religions, who wanted a venue where they could worship their gods. These are easily identifiable since they will usually have their emblem etched into it, which is often a cross.

The two main purposes of these places was to provide an area where they could pray and worship their god. You can easily spot these places due to the large cross they will erect on top of it. If you want to learn some more fascinating details regarding Fort Lauderdale Churches, continue reading below.

Traditionally speaking, churches used to be built in the shape of a Christian cross, wherein the longest portion of the emblem is depicted through the middle aisle so that the base is found at the altar. After a short time period, towers were added to its appeal to allow the line of sight of churchgoers to point upwards, wherein they believe their heaven is located. Nowadays, dozens of designs have been applied, which allows more variety.

Historians estimate that the first building was actually constructed sometime between 223 to 256. Even so, during the eleventh century wherein cathedrals were then officially used right alongside parishes. Cathedrals and parishes were utilized not only by Christians, it was also utilized by Roman Catholics, Oriental Orthodox, Anglicans, and even Eastern Orthodox believers.

Using the old testament from the bible as evidence, it is a known fact that men and women in that time period gathered in houses to discuss the teachings of their god. When there were too many people to fit into one household, they would often make use of Jewish worship locations or synagogues. Synagogues loosely translates to house of prayer in various languages like Greek.

When 1000 to 1200 AD came, a new aesthetic was applied to various buildings all across Europe. It was labeled as a Romanesque style because its foundation was of Roman elements and details. This typically included heavy usage of circular arches, towers that were shaped in an octagon fashion, and the installation of groined vaults. The sculptures were also improved, and the rooms became wider to support all these new details.

After this trend passed, another sprouted amongst men and women in France, which was called Gothic architecture. While Romanesque style focused more on beautification and aesthetics, this revolved more on symbolism and meaning. Features that were once used were replaced with buttresses, rib vaults, and arches that were pointed rather than octagonal. Since less space was needed, it allowed them to make the windows much larger than they used to be.

During the fifteenth century, more changes were made due to the reformation of society. As a result, the Renaissance period came to be. While it appeared to have many similarities to Gothic designed buildings, it omitted a number of other details. In the past, basilica structures were all the rage, but was eventually replaced with hall churches.

Since style and purpose has evolved plenty over the centuries, it often leads to older buildings to become abandoned or disused. When this occurs, the government usually takes charge and will use these old buildings to hold public meetings. Otherwise, they are often converted into other purposes, like conferencing and public school events.




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