Terre Haute’s historic downtown houses of worship sponsored a Stained-Glass Sunday Afternoon, which I toured today. I am a member in one of these churches, which has spectacular windows including one behind the altar, which I have meditated on virtually all of my life, that depicts Jesus’ Resurrection flanked by Peter and John.

   Most of these churches were built in the early 20th Century and feature Gothic Revival architecture. So much of our faith can be revealed through architecture and especially the stained glass, which relates Biblical history, particularly the life of Christ. Before the invention of the printing press in the late 15th Century stained glass was crucial in conveying the message of the crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior.

   Many, who have lived in Terre Haute for all your lives, have never been inside these lovely places of worship. Now you will have to wait until next year’s tour. Or better yet, if you don’t have a church home, visit a historical church on Sunday morning, wherever you live. Or if you don’t care so much for history, all the churches have a certain beauty, which is the Spirit of Christ dwelling in the soul’s of the congregation. One doesn’t have to have the stained glass.

   Sometimes, I feel like I am a prisoner of history. I have a master’s degree in U.S. history, I taught the subject for over five years; I own a home built in 1925 in the historical district of Terre Haute and there are so many aspects of our modern culture to which I cannot relate. Most of the hymns I enjoy singing are over hundred years old. I read few modern authors.