Fire and Brimstone at Notre Dame

4/16/2019

Recently, the iconic spire at the top of the Notre Dame cathedral collapsed from the fire that broke out in the 700-year-old landmark. Although the cause remains unclear, they suspect that was set ablaze due to extensive scaffolding from the massive renovations (a poorly funded, 6.8 million dollar project). Since 1993, the board, established by the Paris Diocese called “Friends of Notre Dame,” has been begging for funds all over the world to renovate the cathedral which costs millions of dollars. The French government previously paid for the upkeep but no longer does because of strict rules on separation of state and church, so they couldn't fund the renovations. This means the board has to get private investments. Separate from the fire-related damage, the cathedral's pinnacles, gargoyles, finials, crockets and railings, stonework, stained glass, and flying buttresses are all in need of repair, according to the site. Ironically, nobody would put money into the building before the burning, but now the funds are pouring in - after it was burned down due to lack of money. The wealthiest families in France and across the world have donated millions of dollars and many foundations have started “Notre Dame Fire Restoration Funds.” France’s leader, Emmanuel Macron, vowed to rebuild the building in his presidential address to the nation - he said within five years, yet it could take decades for it to be completely restored. Unfortunately, certain aspects cannot be remade. For example, the roof’s wooden beams were massive because of the old-growth trees in the 13th century, and now, there are not large enough trees still alive to replicate this aspect.

The Notre Dame Cathedral's centuries of history, art, and iconic architecture are irreplaceable. It is saddening to know that with proper funding for proper renovations, this fire wouldn’t have happened. Do you think that historic landmarks should be funded by the government - religious-related or otherwise? Or, should they be funded by private entities. How important is it to preserve history? Also, do you agree with the renovations that will be done to rebuild the cathedral? Or, do you think it should stay as it is to hold onto the original structures and to preserve the fire - because now this fire is part of history.

36 Comments

Rachel

4/21/2019 05:47:33 pm

As I watched the cathedral burning this week I felt extremely sad that I had never seen the original building in person. But, I am very glad that the funds are now pouring in to restore it. It is sadly ironic that it burned due to a lack of funding and now is getting money from all across the world. I think that if the renowned landmark had been funded by the government then maybe this would not have happened, but it is also a church building, and it is completely unfair to override a religious organization for control of it. Either way, it happened and now is part of history. I think that it should be rebuilt so that the future generations can enjoy is as much as the previous generations have. But I also think that they should keep a section of the burned part, to remind future visitors and perhaps inspire them to keep the other major tourist destinations safe.

Brooke

4/21/2019 06:58:46 pm

I'm with you on this 100%. The future always needs reminders of the past. Rebuilding part but keeping the burned seems like a good compromise, adding a new chapter to the history instead of turning the page.

Katarina

4/21/2019 07:31:03 pm

I agree that they should keep at least a part that burned the same so people won’t forget what happened and why it happened.

Mckinlee

4/21/2019 07:38:23 pm

I definitely didn’t consider how a governmental influence/sort of ownership? Of a religious building would work out. I hope they do come to some compromise to where the government can fund or help fund future up keeping. Do you think that you will now go visit Notre Dame even though you would be unable to see the cathedral in its originality?

Saylor

4/21/2019 07:40:12 pm

That seems like a reasonable compromise! We cantc let history slip between our fingers. If the cathedral is gone forever we will forget about it. Not 100% true, but with all the funding for the cathedral it will be an easy fix.

Conrad

4/21/2019 07:51:07 pm

I agree that part of the new history should be kept, and this cathedral should definitely be rebuilt. Its like that monastery that America blew up in WW2, we rebuilt it completely back to spec and I think that is how this should be done as well.

Brooke

4/21/2019 06:54:31 pm

It is interesting to view how disasters such as the Notre Dame fire can bring people from all over the world together. To protect our historical landmarks, we will do most anything. Those who had never even been there in person felt the loss. Even then, I'm not entirely sure that the spire should be rebuilt--it was made authentically, and replacing it seems...fake, in a way. The fire is now an unfortunate part of its' history. Preservation and support, yes, but reconstructing? It wouldn't hurt, but the experience would be different. I'm torn in that aspect. Good thing there is now mass funding, perhaps it will raise awareness to protect other landmarks before a disaster strikes, preventing another national heartbreak.

Rachel

4/21/2019 07:17:44 pm

I agree that it seems almost fake to try to rebuild the original spire. But I can also see people becoming very upset if thy decided to change the design. It is such a hard choice. The experience would be different, but it will be different either way now. I wonder how long it will take to open back up to the public?

Katarina

4/21/2019 07:29:58 pm

That is a good point. It’s not the original and maybe they shouldn’t try to act as if it is.

Saylor

4/21/2019 07:36:05 pm

I don't see it as being fake. I see it as trying to maintain history. It is true that it won't be "authentic" but future students should be able to see this historical landmark. We should not just give up on something so spectacular if it is possible to rebuild. With all the funding it will be easy to remake history!!!

Mckinlee

4/21/2019 07:36:15 pm

I don’t think the entire building was burnt (correct me if I’m wrong) so people can still see the original parts of the cathedral. I also feel like reconstruction is unnecessary but it is nice to see how much people care about this part of history.

Jazz

4/21/2019 07:40:03 pm

I can see how renovating the cathedral seems like a fake add on. How do you think this tragedy will effect future architectural choices?

Conrad

4/21/2019 07:55:45 pm

Sometimes bad things have to happen to take a step forward in the world. I think that with the right amount of care, this could be rebuilt way closer to how it was than one would ever think. Because of that, I think that it should be redone for the history that it stands for.

Katarina

4/21/2019 07:28:58 pm

I thought from the beginning it was ironic that the fire started from renovations. But I do think it is sad that when the buildings was in need of normal repairs people wouldn’t help but now that a fire has caused more repairs people are pitching in. If they would have chipped in in the first place the first would have never started and people probably would have saved money by donating. Although the fire is a part of history I don’t think they should leave it like that it should be restored. However I also saw a tweet today that said if we took the money being donated to restore the building we could clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Whether this is true or not I don’t know but people have a point that there may be better used for the large funds.

Rachel

4/21/2019 07:34:07 pm

Wow, that really puts it into perspective how much money is being donated. I guess that it simply comes down to what means more to us as a society. It is sad that we should have to choose between things that are both so important though, and I know that there will never be a time that everyone will agree on what large sums like this should be used for. At this point I agree that the money raised should be used to restore the building.

Brooke

4/21/2019 07:35:18 pm

Huh, I never thought that the funds could be directed elsewhere that may have a better use. Yes, Notre Dame is important and should definitely receive the support it needs, but that is not the only issue out there currently.

Challis

4/21/2019 07:51:52 pm

It is sad when no one cares until it is gone. I also agree, the billions of dollars being spent could be better used else where.

Saylor

4/21/2019 07:32:53 pm

It's amazing how people can come together and raise money for something as historical as the cathedral. It is a shame that it won't be the original building, but years to pass it will be just as old as the last one. Yes, it was authentically made but rebuilding something so special to history should not be seen as "fake". People are trying to salvage what little they can to keep the memory alive. I one hundred percent believe the cathedral should be rebuilt. To give new generations the opportunity to see history as well.

Jazz

4/21/2019 07:45:52 pm

The Notre Dame hasn’t been the original Notre Dame for a very long time. Until Victor Hugo wrote fanfic about it, the Notre Dame really wasn’t that popular. After The Hunchback of Natre Dame, people started to visit it and they were upset when it looked terrible. If not for those renovations, the cathedral wouldn’t even be what we know it as today, so I think renovating is a good idea.

Katherine

4/21/2019 07:46:09 pm

It is so hard to rebuild something without it seeming fake to people. When a building is rebuilt, you can’t make it the exact same as it was before

Challis luker

4/21/2019 07:53:50 pm

I also believe in rebuilding but I also think that it is sad we can spend so much on a building and not on bettering our world. A lot of the people donating millions could easily donate to a more helpful cause.

Jesse B.

4/21/2019 08:01:18 pm

You provide a great perspective on the issue with the building being not as authentic, but it still will be true to the original. It is much like a person's home, they try to salvage whatever they can and rebuild from there. If this happened to an American monument would you be in favor of rebuilding that structure?

Mckinlee

4/21/2019 07:33:57 pm

I feel like historical structures and such should be upheld by governmental and private entities. At least, if the area where the landmark is wishes to profit from such structures. I do not believe thy should rebuild. Maybe set up some kind of protection against the elements but otherwise it seems ridiculous to rebuild even if it was a priceless piece of history. As mentioned, it would be basically to recreate the wooden beams due to lack of trees big enough and even if they were able to it would seem fake (as someone else mentioned). The money that people are pouring into restoration efforts could be far more useful elsewhere. Basically anywhere. There are plenty of causes such as cleaning the oceans, housing/feeding homeless, etc. that need the money much more than this cathedral. It is definitely a great loss, but this fire adds to the history of the building. I hope this event brings awareness to the necessity of keeping such structures as up to date (I can’t think of the word I’m looking for oops) as possible and when doing any kind of renovation to just be extra careful.

Katherine

4/21/2019 07:44:53 pm

I agree that the fire adds to the history, there has to be some history. We can’t just keep erasing bad things and pretending like it never happened. It definitely is important to safely keep buildings up to date

Jazz

4/21/2019 07:38:27 pm

I think that it is good idea to renovate Notre Dame, and any historical building that has been damaged. But, I have found myself wondering in the past few weeks why people can not be this motivated to fix issues that have been around for a while, such as refugees, orphans, mental health patients, etc. While I do believe that fixing this piece of history is important, there are other problems in today’s society that should have higher priority for our government. If a private individual wants to put in their own capital, that’s fine, but I don’t think our taxes should be going to it, and when religion gets involved it can be messy. There are better causes to donate to, even if they might seem “insignificant” in comparison, they are bigger.

Sariah

4/21/2019 07:54:26 pm

I like how you bring this up because it seems that a lot more people are willing to fund materialistic items than fund to help people. Why is this so you think? It is almost sad but is it because it is easier to risk money in a building or statue than in a person you don’t know or trust?

Sadie

4/21/2019 08:17:27 pm

All donations should definitely be accepted, but taxes are a little extreme. Although Notre Dame inspires many, there are more pressing matters in the world than and old building.

Katherine

4/21/2019 07:42:56 pm

By rebuilding it, the building will lose the authenticity it had before. We will know if as the new one that was built with modern construction and technology. When we went to Rome and saw the colosseum, they were rebuilding a part of it and to me it seemed really sad. I felt like we weren’t seeing the real thing. It is important to keep buildings up to date, but it needs to be done without losing the feel of the original building. If they were to rebuild then like others have said, some of the burned needs to be kept as a reminder of what Happened. It is also kind of mind blowing to me how fast support came in, showing that if people come together they can overcome something. So why don’t we use it to clean up the garbage patch? Or work on ending starvation?

Jesse B.

4/21/2019 07:57:10 pm

I can see where authenticity would be lost in the reconstruction of the cathedral, but it is also necessary to maintain structural integrity for the sake of safety. The idea to leave some of the burned remains would be great to remember what happened. I agree that it is mind-bending to have aid rush in for a building instead of for more-pressing issues such as starvation and garbage. Maybe the beauty of the church is more appealing to people than the appalling nature of the other problems.

Conrad

4/21/2019 07:46:48 pm

I think that there simply isn't enough money from private entities to fund restorations and the upkeep of monuments and historical structures such as these. I believe they should be governmentally funded in order to keep the history preserved. It is a governments responsibility to keep that preserved which shows how they were created. I think that there should also be a bit of the fire damage left to show the history and show others why it is important to keep history safe. The rest should be restored of course.

Sariah

4/21/2019 07:50:48 pm

if these monuments were being taken care of the by the government we know it would be tax money. This means taxes would go up? Would we as citizens be willing to pay more taxes for something like that?

Sariah

4/21/2019 07:48:35 pm

It drives me crazy that now people are starting to pay to help reconstruct the cathedral when they could have been helping plenty before. Is it because the fire gave it a lot of publicity so now they are getting a lot of publicity?
When it comes to the fact it is burning and wether we should reconstruct. I definitely think we should. Architecture has advanced technologically enough that who ever does the job of repairing can preserve the history while still creating a safe and supported building.

Jesse B.

4/21/2019 07:49:14 pm

The United States of America is a beautiful nation with its vast and varied environments. Much of that land has been in danger since this country’s inception, but due to government programs such as the National Park Service, the US has retained much of that natural wonder. In addition to land conservation, the National Park Service maintains multiple national monuments. Considering that the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of France’s greatest monuments, I see it fit for the French government to invest, much like the US does, into one of their greatest national treasures. Even though it is a church, Notre Dame’s international recognition as one of the greatest structures in human history pushes it ahead of the government separation of church and state. France would not be funding anything in regards to the religion, only the building. Also, it would be wise for the government to rebuild the tourist attraction because of the amount of money generated by tourism has fueled its economy for years. I do not believe right though for the government to foot the entire bill because of how much money has already been generated through private donations. Lastly, this monument to history and religion should be rebuilt because the Hunchback of Notre Dame will not have a proper place to live until it is finished.

Challis luker

4/21/2019 07:49:38 pm

History is so important to society. Notre Dame did not deserve the destruction it got and if possible it should be renavated to the best of our abilities. I do think it is interesting though how so many people are just now donating to its cause. It just goes to show you never really know what you have until it is gone. As I just said, I think the idea of renovation is good but I also think the billionares should consider other causes to donate to like starving children or helping people through natural desasters not just the most publicised current issue.

Sadie

4/21/2019 08:20:58 pm

Honestly, if billionaires are kind enough to donate, it makes sense for them to make a decision where the money goes. Telling them what they can and cannot do with their money would probably make them not want to donate anything. We should take what we get.

Sadie

4/21/2019 08:15:11 pm

Rebuilding the spire seems reasonable to me. This isn't the first great historical landmark that's been damaged. However, they should honestly take their sweet time with it. There is no rush. It's already been standing for over 700 years I think I could wait a few decades for a full repair. Pouring money into it all of the sudden seems like a waste. In the mean time, people can still enjoy it without the spire because it is still a part of history. History brings people together which is why it's so important. Any and all donations or funding should be accepted and used for the preservation of it.

Fire and Brimstone at Notre Dame

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