The History of Church Steeples

Traditionally, steeples were topped with a cross and weathervane. Today, some are made of fiberglass or terne coated stainless steel. The tops of steeples may vary, depending on the location. Some are painted black for religious reasons, while others are simply for aesthetic purposes. Regardless of the style, steeples are a significant architectural feature of many churches. Read on to learn more about church steeples. And remember that while steeples have a rich history, they also serve a practical purpose. This page will broaden your mind on steeples.

One common purpose of steeples is to increase their height. Taller bell towers are visually more attractive and project power over their surroundings. They also represent dominance over other religious groups. Tall bell towers broadcast the location of a church from a distance and attract more congregants to attend services. Tall bell towers have long been used as an advertisement mechanism for religions. However, in modern times, their role in architecture has changed, and they're now considered a cultural symbol.

The origin of church steeples is unknown, but the concept behind them is a good one. They help distinguish between parish churches and cathedrals. Historically, a steeple was the tallest building in a town or village, and no one could go anywhere without passing it. Today, the tallest cathedral and church in the world is Cologne Cathedral, which is 515 feet high. But there are many other reasons to put up church steeples.

Unlike other churches, Presbyterians rely less on symbols. While stained glass windows are the most common symbols of their faith, a church steeple is often the identifying feature of a church or place of worship. In Gainesville, for example, the steeple of St. John Baptist Church is one of the tallest in the city. This fact alone makes the tradition of church crosses a distinctive feature of a church.

In addition to providing an aesthetically pleasing effect, steeples also serve an important function. In the past, steeples housed a bell, which could be heard from afar. Those bells can still be heard today, but they are raised above other buildings so that their sound can travel even further. A church steeple is generally taller than the rest of a town, which makes it a great way to communicate a sermon. For more info, check out this related link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steeple_(disambiguation).