vlhwt Wrote:
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> it's a monument to God of course, but skilled
> laborers were hired to build it, not un-skilled.
> it was a modern building with a deco of prayer in
> it's time. today we'd considerit a little gothic
>
I should say the deco both respects the Tabernacle, the body of Christ, but also "attracts parishoners".
The stained glass windows were "wow" at the time. The design was meant to attract people to visit - and in the day (and still) .
While gothic exteriors may or may not attract as it had, the interiors in those buildings still do.

on the other hand, Duomo in Milan (seen above), the parts that are restored (many are being re-carved or replaced), the restored sections look surprisingly beautiful compared to the aged sections
anyway. the Church will spend money on cathedrals (let's say donated by a rich person willing to do so). this is somewhat to keep attendance high in important areas - but also became a thing of posterity of an area (city, state) showing their faith is not trivial or second rate