Church in the Windshield

Church in the Windshield

Rendezvous at Webster State Park

August 9, 2019

The Gathering

Its 9:45 a.m. and we are driving into the Fossil Creek parking lot in Russell where we are to meet other campers to convoy to the Webster State Park. I watch in the mirror to be certain that our towed vehicle doesn’t strike a parked car as we make the turn around. It is all clear and I gently apply the air brakes to bring our rig to an easy graceful stop. There is a camper parked in front of us and within a few minutes other campers arrive, three in fact. Two other campers will meet us at the rendezvous  We all get out of our campers and greet one another with the usual “Howdy and Glad to See You” It’s a beautiful day and no wind which is an RV delight. Before long, we each in turn trickle our way onto Interstate 70 and head west.

We travel to Hays, turn right on highway 183 and head north. We travel an uneventful journey through Plainville and on to Stockton where we turn west on Highway 24. Only eight more miles and we will reach the rendezvous. Three campers in group all waiting to turn south at the intersection that leads to the park entrance. The camper ahead of us starts to make the turn when suddenly a pickup truck pulling a small cargo trailer passes us with lightning speed. We sat in motionless horror knowing that our friends were going to get t-boned (hit broadside). Not until the pickup was beside us were the brakes applied. Will it stop in time . . . almost . . . then swerved into our lane and went on down the road. Needless to say, we all gave God thanks for safety.
 

Day Trip to Damar

The next day, we drove to Damar. Damar is a French Canadian Settlement located about thirty two miles from the Webster State Park on Highway 18.  The sign says, “Welcome to Damar, Arcadia of the west, a French Canadian Settlement Est 1888.

Damar is a farming community and the 2000 census population was 150. The 2010 census showed the population at 132. It’s a quaint little Central Western Kansas town. None the less, God is very important to this community. God is always central to an oppressed people, therein lays hope that can only come from the creator.

The central point of Damar is the St. Joseph Catholic Church which is magnificent, breath taking and just plain awesome! But then, I have always been intrigued with church architecture. How does it affect me . . . does it enhance worship . . . does it focus my thoughts on God . . . on Jesus?  Or does it point me in another direction? Certainly, this beautiful church, inspired by the spirit of God, built with human hands and the sweat of the brow demonstrates God’s importance in this community. This church has the two towers similar to the one in Victoria and is sometimes referred to as the second cathedral of the plains.

Are the doors unlocked . . . can we go inside and see the worship area? Yes and Yes.  Once inside, we felt a sense of God’s over whelming presence . . . be very quiet . . . soft whispers or don’t speak at all.  Ever so cautiously we look around, perhaps there are people praying . . . hurting . . . silently crying  . . . seeking God’s help and guidance. Don’t break that spirit or that communication with this great God Almighty, creator of all the universe and savior of man-kind. On this particular day, no one was praying but the sense of respect, reverence and Holy quietness remained.
People had been there that day because there were candles lit as a reminder of someone special. Perhaps that person’s family member or friend had passed away. Or perhaps it was for someone that was still living; facing cure for a dreaded disease.  Only God knows . . . .

I stand there for a moment attracted to and mesmerized by the gentle flicker of the flames. And I thought the spirit of God is in this Holy place. Then I thought God’s spirit can be in any place, a beautiful church with high arches and lofty towers, or a humble cabin with dandelion flowers.

The altar of the church was very impressive with the two golden lamp stands each supporting seven green candle holders.  The picture of the golden chalice in the middle represents Holy

Communion. It is through such a cup that wine is served by the priest. And in their tradition the wine is transformed into the blood of Christ and the wafer dipped in the wine becomes the body of Christ.

After a while each member of our group made their way back outside to take another look and maybe some more pictures. A plaque on the front of the church rendered this message: “St Joseph Catholic Church has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of Interior, November 5, 2005 and on the Register of Kansas places by the State of Kansas February 26, 2005.”

The corner stone of the church says that it was built in 1912 and it is obvious that this church has served the community well for a century plus seven years.

As we were getting ready to travel on, we noticed something that we hadn’t seen before. It was a tiny tombstone and the inscription gave our hearts a reality check.  The inscription says: “In memory of the unborn never to smile or cry.” This is certainly a strong stance for their church belief. I thought of the scripture listed below:

Matthew 19:13-15 KJV

13Then were there brought unto him little children, (so) he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. 14But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. 15And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence. What a wonderful spiritual Day!

Until next time, seek the spirit of God in the worship of your choice and God will be with you.
Ron & Sheron, Drivers behind the windshield