雖然宗教信仰是個人自由，我所知道的華人地區，大多信奉佛教或道教，不過也有一些朋友信奉西方宗教，對於西方宗教，對於西方人，教會有著相當龐大的影響力，而教堂不但是連接著人類與神的橋樑，也是信徒們培養團結與歸屬感的中心，很多知名的教堂也保存了珍貴的藝術品，包括壁畫、雕塑和彩繪玻璃，就連建築物都是藝術的經典，如哥德式教堂的高聳尖塔等。
很多觀光客也驚訝於某些西方教堂的雄偉壯麗，而這座柳原教會是我騎腳踏車經過時發現的，沒想到它是台中市第一個教會，也是台中地區現存唯一台灣光復前創建的教會，柳原教會其實和我印象中的教會教堂不太一樣，有些古色古香，我印象中的教堂會是座純白色教堂，外觀會是莊嚴且高貴，然而這座教堂的外牆以紅磚砌築，以洗石面裝飾，門窗採用六角型和圓拱型木窗，典雅且優美，是座蘇格蘭風的教堂。
旁邊的禮拜堂看起來較為現代，是1965年建立來取代原本的舊禮拜堂，從尖形拱門及小尖塔看來也是一座哥德式建築，可以想像它內部空間的高聳和巨大，本來想進去禮拜堂看看的，但門口的警衛告知，教堂平日不開放參觀，只有每週日開放禮拜時能進去，真是殘念。
聽說很多地方的教堂是嚴禁參觀人士在教堂內拍照和錄影，說是為了避免拍照會打擾信徒的禱告，不過好像很多開放觀光的教堂，倒是沒有這樣的限制，看看網路上一堆 youtuber 分享的各地的絕美教堂就知道了，但我認為光拍教堂頗具特色的外觀也足夠了。
Although religious belief is a personal choice, in most Chinese-speaking regions I know, people tend to follow Buddhism or Taoism. However, I do have some friends who practice Western religions. For Westerners, churches play a significant role, serving as a bridge between humans and God while also being a center for believers to build unity and a sense of belonging. Many famous churches preserve priceless works of art, including murals, sculptures, and stained glass windows. Even the buildings themselves are classic works of art, like the soaring spires of Gothic-style churches.
Many tourists are amazed by the grandeur of certain Western churches. The Liu-Yuan Church, which I stumbled upon while biking, was one such surprising find. I learned that it’s the first church in Taichung City and the only one in the area that predates Taiwan's retrocession. Liu-Yuan Church is quite different from the churches I had pictured in my mind, which are usually white, solemn, and majestic. This church, on the other hand, has a charmingly vintage look, with red brick walls, terrazzo details, and hexagonal and arched wooden windows. It’s an elegant example of a Scottish-style church.
The chapel next door looks more modern and was built in 1965 to replace the original one. From its pointed arches and small spire, you can tell it’s also a Gothic-style structure. I could imagine the tall and spacious interior, but unfortunately, I couldn’t go inside. The guard at the entrance informed me that the church is only open on Sundays for worship services, not for casual visits. Such a shame!
I’ve heard that many churches strictly forbid photography or filming inside to avoid disturbing worshippers. However, it seems that many tourist-friendly churches don’t have such restrictions—just look at all the stunning churches showcased by YouTubers online. Personally, I think photographing the church’s distinctive exterior is more than enough to capture its charm.
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从外观来看 教堂还是挺好看的，但总感觉这些地方有点森森的🙃
可能是當天天氣較陰暗的關係，不過，你不說我還沒感覺耶 😀
😉哈哈 可能我属于那种感觉特灵敏的人吧！
beautiful
😀