The Sistine Chapel - The Other One

Spring Break is upon us, and that means…

Well, we’ve got to find something to do.

Yesterday, I finally took the boys to the “Sistine Chapel of the Ozarks” in Carthage, MO – the Precious Moments Chapel. I’ve been there several times myself, but hadn’t been in probably 10 or more years. My Grandma Hazel and Aunt Vera always liked to go up there and I was a tagalong many times. In fact, I remember when what is now the gift shop used to be a “fancy” (to me) restaurant. Vera bought us lunch and I ordered a Monte Cristo sandwich and had chocolate cheesecake for dessert.


Probably one of the most memorable meals I ever ate.  I mean like where I actually remember the food. 

The weather for our trip was cold and rainy, but we were committed to doing something and I drug my uncle along since he confessed to never having been before. I thought he should see it at least once. In fact, I think everyone who passes through the area should see it at least once.

The boys thought these guys were going to shoot water into their ears.  Must expose them to more instruments... 
 

I noticed some changes had been made to the paintings inside the chapel since I was there last. There was some construction going on to the side that houses the Beatitudes in stained glass, so we didn’t get to see those. I still remember the sandblasted tear on the girl crying over spilled milk. “Blessed are those who mourn…”

Anyway, even if you don’t like Precious Moments particularly (like me), I think you’ll still appreciate the effort and beauty that the artist has put into this project. I think too that the paintings will remind you of some beloved Bible stories and that you’ll appreciate the whimsical symbolism he places within his paintings.

For me, the best part of this visit was not only sharing one of my childhood experiences with my children, but the fact that this was the first time I’d gone and taken a digital camera. Before, I’d always had cameras that contained film, so I had to be choosy as to what I took pictures of because maybe I only had 24 exposures. Then I would have to have them developed, and my cameras never had any fancy features like a zoom or anything. They were the REAL point and shoot versions.

So, yesterday, I took as many pictures as I wanted to! And I hope you’ve enjoyed the few I’ve posted here.

If you're ever up around Carthage, I would suggest a stop in.  Chapel tours are free and on the hour.  Here's the link.