Rural Missouri - September 2020 - 13

by Jim McCarty | jmccarty@ruralmissouri.coop

here's something about our churches that draws
us in. They often dominate the skyline, with steeples pointing toward the heavens. They are a place
of community and a sanctuary in difﬁcult times.
During the recent pandemic, church doors were closed to
limit spread of the virus. The faithful still found ways to
worship, whether online or through drive-in services.
Our churches are important places for rural people. For
this reason, Rural Missouri launched an effort to celebrate
these diverse places of worship across our state. The result
was a 180-page hardbound book called "Faith of Our Fathers," created with help from our readers.
First published in 2007, the book includes not just
brick-and-mortar structures but also the people, history
and traditions that make these places of worship so
unique. An entire chapter is devoted to the state's historic
churches, including Pilot Knob's Immanuel Lutheran
Church, which was pressed into service as a hospital
during the Civil War and the Church of St. Mary the Virgin,

Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel, Kingsville

The walls of windows at this little chapel at Powell
Gardens were designed to let nature inside. It is a
treasured location for weddings and other appropriate events. It faces a lake, while a woodlands
backdrop and fields of colorful wildflowers in season
provide a natural connection. Besides the chapel, the
garden's 915 acres offer many places to behold the
Creator's work.

Aldermanbury, which was moved from England to Fulton
and rebuilt after German bombs destroyed it.
Some of the churches featured are no longer churches.
For example, Arrow Rock's Lyceum Theatre is housed in
a former Baptist church built in 1872. In Ironton, Thee
Abbey Kitchen serves "heavenly" treats in the former
Arcadia Valley Academy. Its new owners lovingly restored
the site, which now includes a bed-and-breakfast in the
former priest's house and an event center in the beautiful
St. Joseph Chapel. One of its many stained-glass windows
graces our cover this month.
Elsewhere, churches that began as log cabins have
grown into huge modern churches that serve thousands of
worshippers with exciting services and many activities that
help advance the faith. The James River Assembly is one
such church featured in the book. Contrasting that is the
diminutive Prince of Peace Cathedral in Highlandville. With
seating for just 15, it is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's smallest cathedral.
Also featured are outdoor chapels, including the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel at Powell Gardens in Kingsville
and the Memorial Chapel at St.
Jordan's United Church of Christ
in Jeffriesburg.
Nearly 200 churches, traditions and people make up the
book. Here's a look at just a few
of the stories included.
"Faith of Our Fathers" can
be ordered online at https://
bit.ly/30S5uUl or by calling
573-659-3423. The price has
been discounted to $25 plus
shipping.

Dude Ranch Drive-In, Maryville

Though long gone, memories of the church services held at the Dude Ranch Drive-In linger on for those
who attended them. The outdoor services held here were the inspiration of Bishop Alonzo Monk Bryan,
pastor of the First United Methodist Church. In the hot summer of 1952, he had trouble getting his congregation to come to church in an era before air conditioning. The move to the drive-in theater, coupled
with an early start, led to a good crowd taking part. Monk preached from the roof of the Chuck Wagon
concession stand. His message reached into the cars
through the drive-in's speakers. Ushers made the rounds
for the collection.
Today many churches are
offering drive-in services
due to the pandemic. Bishop Alonzo's idea lasted until
1976. In 1982 the church
added air conditioning.
SEPTEMBER 2020 | RURALMISSOURI.COOP

https://www.bit.ly/30S5uUl https://www.bit.ly/30S5uUl http://www.RURALMISSOURI.COOP

Rural Missouri - September 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Rural Missouri - September 2020