June 18, 2019


Church in the Windshield

Sutphen Mill Christian Church
June 2, 2019

*About Sutphen Mill: In 1872 W. H. Sutphen settled on an estate on what is now Sutphen Mill. He erected a gristmill that was propelled by water from the nearby creek and by 1878 and in 1879 it became the town of Sutphen Mill. At that time, it had a post office, stores and numerous residences. Sutphen Mill became a trading center for the grain and livestock raising rural community. Like many small towns in Kansas by the 1960’s only a church and a few residences remained in Sutphen Mill.
One of the joys of the “Church in the Windshield” is finding small historical country churches.

A sign at the corner of Highway 18 and Paint road just north of Chapman, Kansas identifies the location of the church.  If you look to the north of Paint road, you can barely see the front of the church between groves of trees.  The actual address of the Sutphen Mill Christian Church is 3117 Paint Road

 
 
Upon arrival at the church, we saw another sign identifying the church and another view of the church.  The church grounds were well groomed; the children’s playground inviting and we felt a sense of God’s presence. We climbed the six steps and stood briefly at the door of this Holy place of worship.

There is something about standing in front of a church door that makes me think about Revelations 3:20 (KJV) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Upon entering the church we saw a beautiful country church sanctuary. Our eyes were immediately drawn to the worship place; the “Holiest of Holies.” A closer look brought our focus to a striking picture on the wall behind the baptistery. The picture was that of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist it was a comforting picture and we thought about its meaning.

Two attractive curtains adorned the sides of the Holy Place. For a moment we thought about the early Jewish portable Tabernacle and its curtains as well.  It is amazing to us how much modern day churches connect with historical traditions.  For instance, all modern day churches have a designated “Holy Place” that directs our attention to God just as did the tabernacle and the temple.

Two flags were displayed, the one on the left, an American flag and one on the right, a Christian flag. The two flags represented the church’s allegiance to God and Country.

A well-lighted cross hangs above the worship area.  It is a strikingly beautiful cross and its red glow symbolizes to us the spirit of God that radiates to all believers. We find a warm and peaceful comfort in the spirit of that cross. It seems to invite us to stay close to God and to share his spirt with those around us. Isn’t it interesting that even a building can enhance and aid our focus for worship?  Praise God from whom all Blessings flow!

Certainly, we could not overlook the eloquent bouquet of redand white flowers placed in front of the pulpit. The red flowers to us were the symbol of the blood of Jesus and the white the symbol of spiritual cleansing and new life.The worship service traditional in nature was uplifting, encouraging and nourishing. It started with a general greeting
of one another followed by announcements; a song to God Be the Glory and other traditional parts of worship. Jason Johnson, a professor from Manhattan College, presented a very inspiring message entitled “You, Said Jesus.” The message centered on, “what Jesus would do and what Jesus would do if we followed His commandments. Sheron and I were very impressed with the worship service and would attend it again if we were in the area.

Until next time, remember country churches are “down to earth,” God centered and a vital part of the community.

Ron & Sheron, Drivers behind the Windshield

Epilogue: The Sutphen Mill Christian Church is a wonderful little country church that would welcome your visit . . . or your membership.

* Borrowed from the following:

 

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