Sunday, September 12, 2010

No Matter What

I took this one some time ago, obviously from the car. (Don't worry, I pulled over.) Today's a fine day to post it.

Westminster Presbyterian Church, at Pasadena's border with Altadena, is a magnificent building. I've been remiss in not posting many, many photos of it. Of course it's the first thing most people photograph in town and because I'm contrary I haven't done so. But you'd think by now...

I have friends who attend Westminster and it seems like a lovely congregation. One of these days I'm going to sneak a peek inside.

19 comments:

Dina said...

A good message.
I hope you will venture in.

Cafe Observer said...

Of course! This is The Church on N. Lake!
At least that's what I call it.
Magnificent, as you & U2 wood say.

And, "of course it's the first thing most people fotograph in town..."
Hmmm. It sounds like this must actually be on the ADena side of the border.

Shan said...

Today may be the day, Petrea. You are up nice and early! ;)

Linda Dove said...

Anytime you'd like the inside tour, just let me know...

it's actually in Pasadena, BTW--the other side of Woodbury (across the street) is Altadena...the studios like to rent the parking lot out back for their trucks/equipment when they're filming in Altadena (which has less restrictions on filming than Pasadena) and then some memorable movies have been made there (Wedding Crashers, for instance...)

Petrea Burchard said...

Hi Dina, as you see from Linda's comment below yours, I may get the chance.

Cafe, we agree it's a lovely piece of architecture, and although it's on the Pasadena side of the border thank goodness we can all enjoy the view.

Shan, you give me too much credit. I use that pre-posting button all the time.

Thanks, Linda. I hoped you'd see this one. I will take you up on that tour. I'd just love it.

Bellis said...

Sunday worship, 10 am, no matter what ..... comes up instead? (a surprise visit by grandkids, cat missing, earthquake? Be there at 10 or else)

I love reading those church signs. Is there a website with ideas, a calendar that gives all churches of the same denomination a weekly message, or has the poor pastor spent the last week thinking up a witty post? This one's good as it has several different meanings.

Latino Heritage said...

If a service doesn't make your schedule, then perhaps a concert might work for you. They have a spectacular organ; matches the majesty of the facade.
A bit of trivia. For years it has been the polling place for our area. A couple of generations Girl Scouts celebrated their International Day celebrations in Westminster Hall.

Steve R. said...

There's a Doritos commercial than ran during the 2010 Super Bowl that shows a glimpse of the church's interior:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Nxz-qiA8UQ

- Steve

Vanda said...

Those Persbyterians like to advertise their POV, don't they. I wonder if Lutherans do too.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

I bought my tires from across the street. Yup, lame comment. Just trying to be friendly...no matter what

Susan Campisi said...

That building really is magnificent. Fun to learn it has appeared in commercials and movies.

I'm going to use that quote as my new mantra for keeping writing commitments: Tonight I will write, no matter what.

Anonymous said...

I half expected to see Over 3 Billion Served.

I've always wanted to snoop around the rectory at the Catholic church near Woodbury.

pasadenapio said...

Westminster has been an important partner with the City of Pasadena in our Bad Weather Shelter program for homeless individuals and families.

And the tower is magnificent!

Petrea Burchard said...

Ooh, interesting comments today. Thanks for that video, Steve. I love having a glimpse inside. Churches have always seemed mysterious to me. I believe that's intentional on the part of the builders.

Vanda, don't all religions like to advertise their point of view?

Hiker, I want to snoop around that church, too. Lovely place.

Mister Earl said...

I hope I never have to go to a funeral at that church, but if I do, I'll bring the onion dip.

Cafe Observer said...

I actually posted a pic of This Old Church about this same time last year.

Unexpectedly, I took a couple pictures of another church this evening - so, it must've been good. In Pasadena for sure. Dunno if I'll ever find the time to post it. But I'll try to do it in this decade, so it's timely.

Linda Dove said...

Petrea--I can take you inside anytime, so just let me know when you have a free morning or afternoon. The windows are beautiful, so you'd want to do it on a day with sun.

Cafe Observer said...

PDP, listen to Linda's pleadings. I think it's time you went to church.

(I promise I won't call you a church lady. You can even take MrEarl with you if it helps.)

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, Linda. Thanks, all. Cafe, as you know, having Mister Earl along on an excursion always helps.