Plymouth Magazine-Summer26-DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 22
When a Building Dies
By Jack Porter, written July 4, 2007
What are we to do when a building dies?
Some weep from sorrow and others gloat over their power to
destroy. So much can be lost when a building dies. Memories
of good times long gone such as baptisms, weddings, funerals
or deals struck, policies made – our historic record buried in a
land fill to be forgotten for all time.
What I miss most are the crafts. Brick, wood, stained glass and
pencil. Creative minds draw upon past ideas or experiment
to build not just an edifice but also a space where dreams are
made – or broken. A place where we as a people conduct or
daily lives and build relationships – create and form our social
being. I have heard is said that a church is just a building – well
I suppose that is true – but its also where we are born and live
and finally say goodbye for eternity. But even beyond just the
sanctuary is the skill of workers long forgotten who with their
hands, tools and skills made basic items like stone, wood, glass,
clay, paper, paint and a multitude of other materials into works
of art. Look around and take a minute to appreciate the sweat,
talent and effort.
My reflection does not begin or end with God’s House, but
expands to our homes, our offices, our and yes even those
wonderful barns and cribs – from farm stead to main street –
architecture and craftsmanship enrich our lives. So sad to see it
all gone under a bulldozer’s tread.
Photo by Jack Porter
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