Our only
destination today was the Chapel in the Hills that sits just outside of Rapid
City. Informal half-hour worship
services are conducted every evening at 7:30 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor
Day. Lots of weddings also take place
here, I’m glad we didn’t interrupt anything today.
The chapel
was a dream of Dr. Harry R. Gregerson who was the originator and preacher of
the Lutheran Vespers radio show. After considering other places he finally
decided that the Black Hills in his home state of South Dakota was the perfect
place to build the chapel.
The next
step was deciding what the structure should look like. It was decided that many of the settlers of
the Dakotas and surrounding states were Norwegian Lutherans so something Scandinavian
would be appropriate.
The
Norwegian Department of Antiquities agreed to send a set of blueprints of the
Borgund Stave Church in Norway on the condition that this new church be built
as an exact replica of the 12th century church which is still
standing in Norway.
The last
step of financing this project was provided by a local banker, Arndt E. Dahl,
on the condition that it would be in memory of his parents. His father was a pioneering Lutheran minister. His generous gift provided for the land,
original structure and landscaping. The
project was completed July 6, 1969.
Lots of Scandinavian
artwork.
The roof is
composed of 16,000 wooden shingles.
Intricately
carved front door looking into the chapel.
Inside the
chapel. Although we were the only ones
in the chapel I didn’t feel right about using the camera’s flash so these
pictures don’t do it justice.
The small 18”
door on the right wall allowed lepers to listen to the service and take
communion even though they couldn’t mix with the congregation.
This covered
walkway around the chapel provided cover for people while they were waiting for
the services to start.
Detail of
the cross on the roof.
A
Prayer/Meditation Walk takes visitors into a quiet forested area for prayer and
reflection. We didn’t take advantage of
this walk today. The temperatures here
were in the mid 90’s today.
Even the
trees here are dressed up.
The gift
shop with a grass roof was constructed in Norway and imported to Rapid City.
Also on site
is a log cabin that was built in 1876 by a Norwegian prospector who came to
Palmer Gulch to make his fortune in gold.
The cabin was purchased at auction, dismantled and moved by volunteers
in 1987. The museum is dedicated to
those of Scandinavian descent who brought a part of their heritage to America.
Inside the
cabin I like the chair caved out of a tree trunk.
Really a
beautiful spot, I’m glad we came out to enjoy it.
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