Photo of the Day: Gloria Dei Evangelical Lutheran Church, Providence, RI

It is possible to think of Gloria Dei Evangelical Lutheran Church in strictly architectural terms. Indeed, even I, with no formal training in the subject, had my eyes caught by this building in downtown Providence, RI, and Eric Inman Daum’s article has given the subject the vigorous rigor it deserves.

But there is another way to view this religious institution, nearly a century old: as a symbol of the endurance of God amid vast change. It was a miracle I noticed this church at all. A visitor’s eyes, to begin with, are overwhelmed by the State House rising on the nearby hill. Then, on Hayes Street, the very large Providence Place Mall appears directly to the south.

Through all this, Gloria Dei remains in unassuming but real strength.