We finished up our day of being tourists in Rapid City with a visit to the Chapel in the Hills. This is an exact replica of a stave church built in Norway around 1150.
This project was conceived in the 1960s, and was related to the radio program
Lutheran Vespers, which was broadcast from Rapid City at that time. The program moved to Minnesota in the 1970s, but the church has continued to host visitors, as well as weddings and other special ceremonies. It remains Lutheran, with pastors from local Lutheran churches presiding over services.
This is the leper's window, where the afflicted could also receive communion.
Adjacent to the chapel is what would have been the storehouse at the Norwegian original. It has a sod roof. Inside this structure is a gift shop with many Scandinavian gift items.
I've come to enjoy the little gift shops at the attractions we visit, because I hit upon the idea of filling my Christmas gift list with mementos of our travels. With a dozen grandchildren and a couple great grandchildren to shop for, perusing the shops' offerings is an enjoyable task. Before I thought of this, I walked past the gift shops because we live in an RV and where would I put things?
And next to the gift shop is a little museum. The items on display are a mixture of items from from all the Scandinavian countries.
On our way "home" (FamCamp at Ellsworth AFB), our shadow was long as I gazed at the passing South Dakota scenery.
No comments:
Post a Comment