Deference to the divine: Zion Lutheran Church

If there is one thing I'm not, it's religious. My dad is a non-practicing Muslim and I'm pretty sure my mom is Christian, but neither of them every took us to church or even mosque, as the case may be.  I never went to church on Sundays, I've never been baptized and I've never sung a hymn. Once when I was very small, I attended some kind of church group with my grandmother in Utah.  All I can remember is watching as they passed around wafers and wine that I couldn't have. I didn't understand why at the time...

Although religion continues to astound and confuse me, I have found that there are some aspects that have developed from all faiths that I can appreciate; their art, music and architecture.

Architecture in New Orleans is already historically unique and generally gorgeous, but I've never taken the time to notice all of the beautiful churches in town (there are a lot) and I think it's about time that changed.

This is the Zion Lutheran Church located at 1924 St. Charles Avenue. Admittedly, it's not one often seen in pictures or known by those outside New Orleans, but I still think it's beautiful.

I love this church because it reminds me of what you might find in a small town, where it's the largest structure for miles and miles around. I searched for a history of the building and discovered that it's been in its present location since 1871!  With simple, yet lovely stain glass windows and marvelous architectural detailing both inside and out, this divine beauty deserves our attention. Can I get a Hallelujah?