Journey Through Faith Worship Destinations In America

By Jayne Rutledge


Many people dreamed of going to the United States of America in search for milk and honey. But unknown to many of them, this country is also home to some beautiful and historical places of religious wisdom. Learn to combine faith worship with US travel to the following religious spots that are scattered all over the country.

The elaborately designed Bahai House of Worship is located in Wilmette, Illinois which is just half an hour away from Chicago. Originating from Persia as early as 19th century, members of the Bahai faith flock to this sole temple in the North America. The combined quartz and cement created a lace appearance to this circular temple which is surrounded by fountains all over the gardens.

Another iconic place situated in New York City is the St. Patrick`s Cathedral which is well-known as a place of retreat for the growing number of Catholics in the metropolitan. The Neo-Gothic church was erected in 1879 with its vibrant stained glass windows and magnificent marble facade. Though not a grand as the surrounding skyscrapers, people come to this church to pray and watch the beautiful scenes.

Meanwhile, the Hsi Lai Temple which is located in Hacienda Heights, California serves as the place of service for the Buddhist people. This temple reflects that 14th to 20th Chinese dynasty of Ming and Ch`ing even though this was erected just in 1988. The temple`s bird`s eye view signifies a bodhi leaf icon where Buddha was known to encounter enlightenment and the temple`s insides features Buddhist artifacts, ceramics, art galleries of both Eastern and Western era and photographs.

The other way, the majestic Islamic Center of America located in Dearborn, Michigan provides a place of solace for the members of the Arab-Muslim faith. This 65,000-square-foot structure provides services to around 5,000 families since its inception or construction in 2005. When viewed from inside, one will find crystal chandeliers, imported granites, prayer room in Islamic motif, and calligraphy of Quranic verses but when viewed from the outside, one will get awed at the stone carvings and the fiberglass dome structure of the building.

Meanwhile, people of Presbyterian faith finds solace in the beautiful Memorial Presbyterian Church situated in St. Augustine, Florida. Built in 1889, the historical church entombed the founding family Henry Morrison Flagler, his first wife Mary, his daughter Jenny Louise Benedict and his granddaughter Marjorie. This unique and majestic church showcases stained-glass windows and wood-carved walls similar to the European cathedrals.

Among the biggest Jewish temple in the globe is the Temple Emanu-El which is located in New York City. Built in 1929, this colorful structure can hold a whopping 2,500 people with its 103 feet height, 100 feet width, and 175 feet length. This temple holds Jewish artifacts inside with its gilded and painted ceilings, over 60 stained glass windows, and marble and glass mosaics lined up in the arches.

The country has still many other places of historical and religious significance where people can experience faith worship to their finest. Even people without faith can still take inspiration and be awed at these majestic and truly beautiful religious edifices in the country. A truly awesome and memorable journey through the various spiritual destinations in America.




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