Their predecessors had begun the church in 1296 to showcase the status of Florence as one of Europe’s economic and cultural capitals, grown rich on high finance and the wool and silk trades.

"The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned. [Cf. Council of Florence (1439): DS 1304; Council of ...

In just four months, at least four teens have died by suicide in Boone County. Pastors at Crossroads Church Florence hope to create a safe space for the community in response.