Early 20th Century shops - Upper Queen St
There are a group of Edwardian style shops in upper Queen St., dating from 1909 onwards. 'Designed by two Auckland architects, T W May and Alexander Wiseman, they retain many original features often removed from other structures; the curved corrugated iron verandahs are intact and held up by vertical posts, and virtually all the shops' fronts are intact including the glazed tile work surrounds.' (Wikipedia)
At street level this rank of shops (now mostly eateries) are very similar in design, but a birds eye view shows a great variation in the state of the roofs, some seem to have been sorely neglected, while one or two have been replaced with modern long-run steel.
Some creativity seems to have been exercised in the masonry roof soffits, with each section showing a different style. Interesting that care should have been taken here, as they are not really visible from street level. Dwarfed now by multiple apartment towers, the character of these little old buildings is a striking contrast.
We live in a time where big and shiny seems to be the way to go; the mega malls kill the commerce of the quirky and interesting high streets, and the mega churches attract many former members of traditional denominations.
Maybe it's time to slow down and look around, appreciate the interesting variety of people, gifts and experiences on our doorstep, in our congregation. Can we slow down long enough to appreciate the unique features of each member of Christ's body? Actually many of you are great at this, so I guess it's a rhetorical question.
Walk upper Queen Street and smell the cuisine of Seoul, Beijing, Paris or Texas as you pass by the doorways. The more than century old facades have seen some things. Take a little time to appreciate the quirks, talents and characters of Forrest Hill Presbyterian Church, a 'place to belong to the family of God.' We are such an interesting mix of people called to be the body of Christ in this place.
'All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.' (1 Cor 12:27)
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