Last week I showed you some of the rides at Silver Dollar City, an 1880’s Craft Village. The next time I go (which could be years from now, but I hope not), I will leave the kids with someone else and attend to the crafts which to me would make a much more interesting post. However, on the way out, I saw something I had to show my girls.
It was the Wilderness Church. This church has been part of Silver Dollar City as long as I have been going (at least 40 years), and if it has changed at all, it is not much.
It is built of rough-hewn logs and even has rough-hewn log pews.
Every Sunday they have a church service in here. I will admit I have never been to that. I prefer to go in when it is more empty and quiet.
I do not remember the picture window at the front when I was little, but it may have been there. I could easily find out if I could go through my dad’s enormous slide collection because when I was six, I was the flower girl in a wedding in this church. I felt SO important because I got to be in a wedding in SILVER DOLLAR CITY! I wore a red cotton dress that had white hearts and “I love you”’s printed all over it. I was also missing two front teeth and made sure that was noticeable in every picture. I wish I had the first idea where to find those pictures. Someday I will.
This was the view out the picture window when we were there. But if you were sitting in the pew, you would only see green trees.
Whether or not the picture window is original (the text plaque above it is; I remember that distinctly), it is good for it to be there. There is a pretty view out it. And if I were sitting in church there, it would be nice to see the green woods behind the minister. (Or imagine the rich colors of autumn–a fabulous time to visit.) Of course I would be looking out the window and not at the minister, but at least it would be in the right direction.
Silver Dollar City celebrates Christmas in November and December. I have not been to that in many years, but they used to have a live nativity scene, and at least a year or two, that was visible from that big picture window in the church. And the sun would set behind it. I wish I visited Missouri at Christmas just for the chance to go to Silver Dollar City then. (And instead of giant snow cones, hot cider is my refreshment of choice.)
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June 29, 2009 at 2:58 pm
What a beautiful church and I loved your sharing the memories you had as a child in the wedding.
June 29, 2009 at 4:10 pm
That is beautiful. I hope you do find your childhood pictures.
June 29, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Lovely post, Louise. It sure seems to have evoked some wonderful childhood memories for you. I hope you do find those photos of yourself in your little dress, missing teeth proudly announcing that you were growing up. When you do, I sure hope you’ll share them.
June 29, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Dear Louise,
This church in the midst of nature is so nice, I’d like to say a prayer there…
God bless you!
Cezar
June 29, 2009 at 6:27 pm
I really like the wilderness church. I too would prefer a visit when it’s empty. Yet what a wonderful memory of being a flower girl in this adorable little church.
Somehow the picture window looks out of place, yet what a nice view.
June 29, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Mystical church, darkness and light with.
Health information & Humor & Fun World
June 29, 2009 at 9:24 pm
What a lovely church, and I agree that it is good for the window to be there.
I have been to Silver Dollar City years ago when there was one in Tennessee (it is now “Dollywood”), and remember all the crafts (and the rides!)
Hope you find the photos.
June 30, 2009 at 2:26 am
I seem to remember the picture window.
June 30, 2009 at 3:29 am
a place to talk with God, and make decisions about life…
June 30, 2009 at 5:17 am
Neat church-and makes it even more special that you have such fond memories of it.
June 30, 2009 at 7:49 am
That’s a wonderful old church. I imagine the benches don’t sit very comtably …
Thanks for sharing your memories.
June 30, 2009 at 10:46 am
What a beautiful place.. there was a ghost in that window shot ..
June 30, 2009 at 11:39 am
What a beautiful little church and thanks for sharing the childhood memories.
June 30, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Very beautiful, I find it so interesting to see other parts of the world. Feels a bit like travelling !
June 30, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Kismet! My step-daughter wants to get married there next year. She’s been to Silver Dollar City every year since she was tiny and that’s where we’re trying to book her wedding. However, they don’t start booking for next year until mid-January!
June 30, 2009 at 6:54 pm
I truly hope you find the picture of that little cutie with the missing front teeth in her beautiful dress! Thank you for sharing a piece of your world with us.
June 30, 2009 at 7:31 pm
That little church is awesome and it would be worth a trip to Silver Dollar City just to see that.
June 30, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Excellent post, Louise. When I see a church I always feel happy. It’s true, sometimes it’s better to go in the churches when they are empty and quiet.
June 30, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Hi Louise, I enjoyed your photo journey to the wilderness church. It must have been special as a child to be in a wedding there.
July 1, 2009 at 1:19 am
What a beautiful church – with a great view. Must be very serene.
July 1, 2009 at 9:16 am
I hope that finger is on the mend! xo
July 1, 2009 at 11:25 pm
It is a delightful experience to share our childhood with our own children (and grandchildren)! Sounds like your trip back to Missouri was a great one.
July 2, 2009 at 11:02 am
I love these photos – very peaceful. The reflection in the last photo is neat.
July 2, 2009 at 5:19 pm
What a wonderful little building, thanks for sharing your wonderful fond memories.
July 6, 2009 at 1:54 am
You know I love this place. I want to go back, even better if it’s with you.
July 19, 2009 at 1:50 am
Nice to see you vacation in my part of the woods. While I do not visit Silver Dollar city much since the kids are grown it use to be a regular. If you check out my more recent post (July) you will find that I do get to Table Rock and Eureka Springs and areas around Branson. Twice in the last 6 weeks in fact.
I know the church well.
Great post.