Amazing Stonework, August 3

I have enjoyed sharing the amazing buildings in my area that are considered old. Most are still very much in use but all show incredible artistry of that day. Today’s post is close to my heart as it is my home church, First Baptist Church of Davenport, Iowa.

This church, built in 1889, was originally named Calvary Baptist but later became know as First Baptist. It is a building built with brick, carved stone and decorative concrete. One of the interesting features to me is the building corners which are not sharp corners but rounded. The steeple used to sit atop the squared off section above the door but a tornado came through in the 50s and sent the steeple through the roof – on top of the pipes for the organ. Yeah, those had to be replaced but they make a beautiful sound today.

As with most churches there are many beautiful windows but I am partial to these not only because of the beautiful stained glass but the way the stone, brick and concrete highlight their beauty.

In more modern years, an extra window of glass was added to preserve and protect the original windows. the heavy wooden doors also have a stained glass window above them.

The windows on the side that are the adult classrooms are a favorite of mine due to the large decorative concrete panels.

The full side of the building…

This is amazing artistry when you think about construction that was nearly 130 years ago. Even the far side wall has a little artistry to it as the wall is curved instead of a straight and features glass blocks in the windows.

Since I am including a lot of window pictures here, I want to tie in with Ludwig’s Monday Windows. Windows are an opening that allow light to shine through. And we as Christians need to be windows to allow the love of Christ to shine in and through us.

Look around your area and see the beauty of architecture from long ago. It can be quite amazing when you really look. And as always, remember to be kind. Kindness radiates as bright as any window and shows a beauty beyond compare.

Amazing Stonework, July 19

Good afternoon friends. I started this challenge to share the beauty in older designs and architectures of the past that are in my area. So join in and share the beauty of stonework, brick, or concrete buildings in your area with interesting designs. Include the tag above so that others can tie in with you.

Today’s subject is an old bank, American Commercial and Savings Bank, that I am not sure is even being used at all. It is generally very quiet around it even thought it has 5 floors above from today’s focus. Today we are studying the three arch windows above the the main entrance of the second floor. So I tie in again with Ludwig’s Monday Windows for sharing the beauty of ornate windows.

The windows and the door itself are a combination of ornate and columned ironwork as well as detailed masonry. The center window has an ironwork eagle that ties in with the other metalwork of the window. The detailed masonry above the windows looks more beautiful with the colors of aging dripping down their faces. While the two side windows are not as ornate as the center window, their beauty is still amazing.

The center window highlights the filigree from above the door bringing in more hearty metal work to show off the beauty of the center window. The masonry details inside the arch of this window make it even more lovely.

So I challenge you to not dismiss those old building but to look for the art and design that was created with far less technology than we have available for us today. Share it with us here and appreciate the artist of then.

And as always I remind you of the beauty of kindness. It is what make our world beautiful. Use it often.

Amazing Stonework, July 11

The beauty of Stone, Brick, Marble or other stonework

Good afternoon friends. I started this challenge to share the beauty in older designs and architectures of yester year that are in my area. So join in and share the beauty of stonework, brick, or concrete buildings in your area with interesting designs. Include the tag above so that others can tie in with you.

We are at week 2 of a beautiful church here in Davenport, St Johns United Methodist Church. As a reminder, its architecture style is Gothic Revival and today we are finishing this building by covering some of the windows. The church does have a more modern addition but I am focusing on the older structure built in 1902 and opening in 1903. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 7, 1983.

While all church windows are amazing to look at, most people focus on the beauty of the glass. I want you to focus a little more on the stonework around them that is supporting them and in some instance highlighting their beauty.

The BIG one…I have seen it on the inside as well and it is quite stunning.

Check out the details of the stone within the window design itself.

This next window is a favorite as it is small, probably an attic window. I think I see AC vent tubes. But the stone decorative arch around it is so delicate and an artwork by itself.

All along the sides of the church are these lovely small arch windows with beautiful colored glass.

Windows allow the light of love to shine in through them which can brighten any room.

I hope you have enjoyed walking through the beauty of this church and can develop and eye for looking at other older churches and buildings. These buildings no only reflect the beauty of the architecture of the era but the compassion of the artist who made sure the details reflect their own beauty. I also tie in with Ludwig’s Monday Windows, to share the beauty of these windows.

And as always, remember the beauty and the power of kindness. When used correctly, they reflect the inner beauty of your own heart.

Amazing Stonework, July 5

Good afternoon friends. I am a little late getting this posted for it has been a fun and busy day. I started this challenge to share the beauty in older designs and architectures of yester year that are in my area. So join in and share the beauty of stonework, brick, or concrete buildings in your area with interesting designs. Include the tag above so that others can tie in with you.

Today’s building is a church I pass everyday going to work or my church. No it is not my church but one across the street that has amazing stonework – St. Johns United Methodist Church. Its architecture style is Gothic Revival and I will cover it for two weeks as there is so much beautiful detail I want to share. Today we are covering doors, 4 of the older ones. The church does have a more modern addition but I am focusing on the older structure built in 1902 and opening in 1903. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 7, 1983.

***This is a column support for a two side corner archway to the sanctuary***

The details at the top of each of the individual columns are fascinating to be made out of masonry. Then the columns, one round and one octagon shaped I am sure have some meaning. The next picture shows the full doorway on one side. With the door being on a corner, you have duplicate archway for each side of the corner.

**The corner column** ***structure is rounded all the way up to the roofline.***

This is a stained glass window on top of the sanctuary door and the masonry work around it is also interesting.

Another door on this same side further down the building goes to the church offices. It has interesting details for it as well.

The top masonry details above this porch are intricate and simple at the same time making it pleasing to the eye.

On the opposite corner from the sanctuary is a side door that I am not sure where it goes but carries the same red theme and detailed archways. Red doors in churches generally means you are on holy ground and safe from evil. Along side is the detail of the arch work above the door. Maybe a statue once stood there.

The last door for today goes to the parsonage and while it seems to be the least decorated door, the archway above it is quite detailed.

I do hope you join in with me to share the beauty of older structures. You probably could not afford to build this beauty today.

And in closing, I remind us all the the beauty of kindness and how it can change the darkness of a moment for an individual to brightness.

Amazing Stonework, June 28

Good morning friend’s. It is Monday morning and time again for you pics of amazing stonework in your area. While my original concept was buildings, My goal is to highlight the artwork created by builders of long ago, so share your beauties with us. Remember to attach the tag above so that others can follow you as well. Enjoy.

Today’s building is the old Capitol Theater here in Davenport Iowa. It closed in 1977 after a 57 years run. But there has been work going on it for a couple of years so hopefully this beauty is being restored to live once again.

I want to combine Amazing Stone work with Ludwig’s Monday Window as this building has wonderful windows.

Even though the window is more modern, the stonework around it is beautiful. The details cut into the granite (?) is quite amazing. The building corner that this was originally built for theater,

Other details along the front of the building show more intricate details.

Since entrance into the building was not an option, I did find this picture in an article showing historical theaters of the area. I wanted to share as well. Hopefully this building will get fully restored to re-share it’s beauty with us.

And remember, even buildings has stories to tell and tell stories is how we keep history alive. Combining history with kindness can prove that we were, still are and can always show love to each other.

Amazing Stonework, June 21

Good evening friends. It is time again to share the beauty you find concerning stonework. It can be actual stones, fancy blocks, or concrete. When I started this challenge I was wanting to share old architecture across the world. To me it has a different class to today’s modern streamline structures. So, share the beauty of old that you see.

Today I want to share corners. Inner edge corners and outer edge corners and this week I have two different buildings. Both have very intricate details in concrete as they swoop around in their perspective direction.

***This shows concrete, stone and brick***

The details in all the levels and the corner pieces. I cant imagine what it would cost to build something like this today. I was not able to find a date for this building.

Amazing details here as well, especially at the inner corner. Come join in the the fun and share the beauty that you see. Remember to include the badge from above and the tag for Amazing Stonework but most of all have fun.

And in closing I remind you of the power of kindness. Let it move with you wherever you go.

Amazing Stonework, June 14

Good morning friend’s. It is Monday morning and time again for you pics of amazing stonework in your area. While my original concept was buildings, I had a post last week involving an amazing statue so that could be a possibility. My goal was to highlight the artwork created by builders of long ago but art in stone is art in stone, so share your beauties with us. Remember to attach the tag above so that others can follow you as well. Enjoy.

My pictures today are more about the tiny details.

Although the window itself has been replace with a more efficient style, the original stone around the window was left intact.

Yes, I am still stuck on the same building as last week, City Hall, but there are so many beautiful details. The intricate castings around the window arch and on top of the column are beautiful. The smooth block in the window is in contrast to the more rough texture of the main walls of the building. And remember this was build in 1895. There are other older and more intricate buildings around, so share what you see.

And as always, remember to be kind. Its a great way to start your week.

Always Be Kind

Amazing Stonework – A New Challenge

Good evening friends. I give you a new challenge tonight to be on Monday’s. I will try to get this posted much earlier but summer thunderstorms took out our power so we are a tad late. In today’s world, it is somewhat scary knowing how dependent we are on a power source to survive. So, I think it is fitting that this challenge reflects on the beauty of “old”. Welcome to “Amazing Stonework”.

This is a photographic challenge to share the beauty of older architecture from yesteryear that shows the intricate artwork in the details of older buildings. So, look up at these older structures and marvel at how man created artwork out of stone, concrete and other substrates around windows, doors, and along roof edges – even on the walls themselves. Have fun and enjoy the beauty.

If you be interested in participating in this challenge, just take some pictures of details of older structures. You will be amazed at what you see when you really begin to look. Link back to each week’s post and enjoy what others are seeing. Be sure to add the Amazing Stoneware Challenge badge from above.

My post this week is more of the same building where I pulled the badge from – City Hall.

There are curved walls as well as a turret and this column with the ball on top. No exactly what the original concept was but I find it interesting.

Come join in on the fun and enjoy the sights of others and as always, remember to be kind.

Monday Window, June 7

Thank you Ludwig for posting such a fun challenge. I have not played in a while but with my new camera(non professional but fun) I had to join in. I take you to old windows…

This house just recently had a full renovation and restoration, I may have posted this window once before but felt it needed posting again. I would love to look out of this window.

Churches generally have wonderful windows and this one is no exception. I bet it colors are amazing inside.

Since I am a fan of older architectural structures, this last one had to be shown.

In closing I remind all the value of kindness. It should be used often. Open a window of far reaching kindness.

Fun Foto Challenge: Man Made

With this challenge from Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge the gate is wide open. The first thing that popped in my mind was the new I-74 bridge connecting Illinois to Iowa or the other way around. It has been fascinating watching this huge thing go up, then they will tear the old one down. I give you a before and after scenario with one side of the arch almost complete and the the closing of the arch. When you think of the power and amount of water that goes down the Mississippi at any given moment, this is amazing.

The other side of man made which hits closer to home…and my kitchen as “home made”, with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Breakfast includes a good southern helping of buttered grits covering scrambled eggs that are smothered in sausage gravy. Lunch is scrambled dogs (how you spread three chili dogs for 4 people) and Dinner is fried pork chop, turnip greens, black-eyes and tomato gravy on buttered toast.

The following are a few other photos I took that are worth mentioning with man made. The wooden statue on the end was of a tree that died so the owner carved a knight out of what was left. The home now is a home for those trying to get back on their feet.

In this fun of looking at Man Made items, remember one of the easiest, least expensive and most beautiful things man can make is…kindness.

kind unexpected