Tuesday, July 10 – After we finished our tour of Rapid City, SD, we drove out to the Chapel in the Hills.
The Chapel is an exact replica of the Borgund Stavkirke built about 1150 in Laerdal, Norway. Originally built as the home for the “Lutheran Vespers” radio program, the Chapel was completed in July 1969. It sits on 30 acres of mostly forest along with a Norwegian stabbur (or storehouse). The stabbur acts as a welcome center and small office. It is an authentic grass-roofed store house, built in Norway and assembled on site.
Bell tower in the foreground. Notice how the church tapers upward towards heaven.
The Chapel is a magnificent piece of craftsmanship constructed entirely from Douglas fir.
The beautiful simplicity of each part of the stave church is intended to reflect a deeper understanding and a holistic expression. They have a service every night of the week and on Sunday.
There are 12 hand-carved Apostles' heads around the inside of the Church.
The small window allowed Lepers to take part in the service. 
To the rear of the chapel, is a Prayer/Meditation Walk with seven religious statues and a suggested prayer topic by each one. It is located in a small canyon among the forest. A very peaceful setting for meditation and prayer.
Trust in God with child-like Faith.
To see all the stops along the walk, please click here.
It's a beautiful Chapel and a must see if in the Rapid City, SD, area.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!
I bet it was beautiful in person.
ReplyDeleteIt would be ruff to have to mow that roof.
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ReplyDeleteThe chapel is so beautiful. And the walk would be such a wonderful place to go in order to slow down for a few minutes.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous church. Sounds like a nice place to visit.
ReplyDeleteyou and Paul are the second bloggers to visit that churchin the psst couple of weeks....it is indeed an amazing feat of architecture!
ReplyDeleteAh yes! We found the Stavkirke to be a wonderful place to visit and to rest our souls. The pathway up past the bell tower and alongside the statuary was very inviting, and we accepted the invitation! Thank you for bringing us back to this chapel for a few moments!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of some amazing architecture! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure nestled in the forest. The whole area must be a draw to the spirit to some and rest.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful church. You'd have to be pretty dedicated to sit on those backless benches during a service though!!
ReplyDeleteGood tour, we really enjoyed our visit there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful, beautiful place. . .
ReplyDeleteJanice
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