The Three Graces

George’s Pier head on Liverpool’s River Front is a UNESCO World heritage site. It is the home of the Royal Liver Building (built 1908-1911), the Cunard Building (1914-1916) and the Port of Liverpool Building (1903-1907). These iconic structures are often called the Three Graces because of their architectural elegance and, perhaps, the contrast they provided with some of the uglier, rather utilitarian docks and warehouses to which they were neighbours.

The phrase The Three Graces comes from Greek mythology, which included three goddesses known for beauty and grace: Hesiod names Thalia (Blooming) Aglaea (Shining) and Euphrosyne (Joy). Earlier Christian writers spoke of the Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity (Love), as described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. Personal virtues are significantly less grandiose than these wonderful buildings, but when the latter are all burned up at Christ’s return, and all else with them, only that borne from faith, hope and love will survive.

My talents, gifts and graces, Lord,
into thy blessed hands receive,
and let me live to preach thy word,
and let me to thy glory live;
my every sacred moment spend
in publishing the sinner's Friend.

-Charles Wesley