Interieur van de Pawtucket Congregational Church te Lowell before 1892

This photograph captures the interior of the Pawtucket Congregational Church in Lowell. Dominating the scene is the organ, a symbol of divine sound and spiritual resonance. The organ's presence recalls the ancient Greek hydraulis, a water-powered instrument used in religious ceremonies, its sound believed to bridge the earthly and divine realms. This connection evolved through the medieval period, finding a home in the Christian church as a symbol of heavenly music. The cross above the altar reminds us of the crucifixion of Christ. The arrangement of the church, with its raised pulpit and rows of seats, conveys a powerful message about hierarchy and order. Just as the cross has appeared in many forms, from ancient pagan symbols to emblems of empire, the church itself—as a symbol of community and order—has been reinterpreted and adapted across cultures and eras. These motifs evoke a sense of spiritual longing and order that transcend cultural boundaries.