BANKS AND CHURCHES

[CWO3ROBBIE]

As I drive around this great country of ours, I observe many things that raise questions. At least to me. Some things I understand; Some I don't. Some make me feel good; Some don't.
One of my observations is: In most small towns, the biggest, most ostentatious buildings seem to always be Banks and Churches. This observation raises some questions in my mind.
Am I the only one?
What are your thoughts on this subject?

[Aggie]

The three most important things to success of a small town is: Church, Bank and School.

[CWO3ROBBIE]

Aggie, I do not disagree, but I always wonder why so much money is spent on Church and Bank buildings. I have my theory why but like to see some other peoples ideas on this subject.
Schools I think I fully understand. And the schools do not always seem to be so ostentatious. But then, that may be just a prejudice instead of experience and reason on my part.

[Aggie]

Traditionaly banks are well built to show it is there to stay and is financially sound, also image come in to play. Same is true of churches. My great-great grandfather bought two shares in a small town bank 98 years ago when it opened. That little conservative bank is now 4 banks with 14 locations in 14 small towns and still head quartered in a small town of 302 people. Last year was the most profitable year in the banks history.

My church is 140 years old this year. In that community all the other business has gone but the church remains.

[CWO3ROBBIE]

I can't seem to follow your thought process here. Could you expound a little more?

[larry kremis]

Robbie, the only thing I can come up with is that religion and economy is what every country is based on.

[Bull]

I see some churches that seem to be in a race with Ms Farquars prisons.

[stillgoing]

When its going well the bank rakes it in and when its not the church and the bank rake it in.

Robbie, most small towns are agricultural and farmers live on credit until they can sell their crops. The bank is a major player in any agricultural area.

[funesthememorious]

...and the strip club. At least in the small town I grew up in.

[CWO3ROBBIE]

Glad to see some thoughtful answers.
Now I'll try to explain my theory.
Yes, Banks and Churches do seem to usually be the to strongest, long lasting insitutions in most small towns. I don't really disagree with anything any of you said.
I think they spend lots of money on the buildings to make a statement that appeals to some of our primitive instincts. ie. The desire to belong to a strong group that will make us feel safe. In some, the desire to belong to a group that is superior to other groups. In banks I agree that an imposing building intends to show strength. And possibly our unrecognized desire for paternalistic shelter. I think the reason churches pour so much money into their buildings includes the same reasons, but also attempt to give us a place to go that is nicer than anything we alone could afford, and possibly instills a sense of pride in being a part of something that is better than the rest of the community. I think this last idea plays a significant role in the mega churches that have recently emearged in larger towns and communities.
So, if it makes the people involved feel better about their lives, it possibly is a good thing. But personally I would prefer banks that use their assets to better serve their clientele and churches that would rather use my money to help people in the community than build an imposing building. I guess that is why I bank with a credit union and do not belong to any church.

[Mother Sanity (JackieRodzinski)]

Banks attest to the wealth of the community; if there is $$ to be made, there will be banks. Drive through the inner city, and see how many banks you find!

Churches seem to be traditional community gathering places, but between you/me, I prefer the bar.

[CWO3ROBBIE]

Me too. And back when most men were laborers, bars usually outnumbered churchs in most small towns. At least in the East. What Happened?

[Mother Sanity (JackieRodzinski)]

Its a sign of 'The End Times'...The Apocalypse.