FRIDAY, APRIL 1,
2011
HOLY GHOST CHURCH
Interior of Holy Ghost Church
1981
Built in 1924 and
designed by the architect J.B. Benedict, the Holy Ghost
Church is a Denver treasure. A
very special place to me, this wonderful sanctuary of love
and acceptance, offers a peaceful and quiet respite
from our complex and noisy world.
Holly Ghost Church is
located at 1900 California Street near the intersection of
Broadway and 19th Street at the base of the
1999 Building that towers above, and lovingly wraps
around the church in a crescent shape.
Unlike most churches, Holy Ghost Church is
frequently open to the public. During
the day, if you walk up to the door and place your
hand on the handle, the door will be unlocked and
welcome you in!
A very small house of
worship, the church's interior is constructed with
beautiful travertine marble and oak woodwork. When
entering, the cream-colored marble simply baths you
in volumes of comfort.
The image above has a large
American Flag that prominently hangs
above the alter. There is a very good reason for this
flag being
displayed...
In November 1979, 52
Americans were taken hostage
by militants of the Iranian government. This flag was
hung during that time as part of an homage to the
captives and faith of a peaceful resolution. Four
hundred and forty four days
later, our people were released.
Is this image a
confirmation of "church and state?" I would say yes
— a
slippery slope to be sure — one that I do not
wholly endorse.
My wife and I, along
with our Mothers, have attended Mass at
the Holy Ghost Church, now - only memories.
After opening that unlocked
door, I have spent many contemplative moments,
knelt down, and let tears of celebration and sadness, tears of
joy and regrets, run down my face onto the floor.
I open the door to the
outside, the world is there, my time inside has helped
calm me.
- Kim Allen
Mrs. Jo Nardini, my late Mother-in-law, would have been
92 this April 29, 2011. A wonderful woman, who
loved life and family, was non judgmental , and
a smile for everyone, is missed tremendously.
Mr. Ralph Melphy Sr., my friend of 54 years, passed away
March 28, 2011. A veteran of "Omaha Beach," a
humble and gentle man. Thank you, Mr. Melphy, for
our time together.
For additional images and
commentary, please
refer to the Denver section.
Exterior of American Atheist Books at 2342 South Broadway
1984
The American Atheist
Books was located in a small office building on the 2600
block at 2342 South Broadway Street.
The American Atheist
organization was created in 1963 by Madalyn Murray O'Hair.
The primary focus and principle of the American Atheist
organization was to support the separation of "Church and State".
Government and religion should be independent, as well
as the freedom of all people to worship, or not
worship, any particular religion. When a person,
government or religion profess their belief as the only
correct answer, we begin this unhealthy self righteous
journey.
Strength is in acceptance that people have
the right to their own beliefs, and in respect of those
beliefs.
For the record, the American Atheist Books has been gone
for a long time. The Holy Ghost
Church, on the other hand, is still here, and yes... it is still a special
place for me.
For additional images and
commentary, please
refer to the Denver section.
- Kim Allen |
