God's House

God’s House

 

 

some things from the past

live in memory forever,

like classic Chevrolets

and old churches.

 

i came upon an old church

while living in California

its windows were boarded up

fissures could be seen in the walls

and its foundation

wildflowers and leaves

littered the path to the concrete steps

 

but it was the steeple

that gave affirmation

to the antiquity that stood  before me,

that this was once God’s house

 

where every Sunday

a congregation would meet

with rosaries in hand

where a pipe organ could be heard

playing hymns of salvation,

giving praise to the Lord.

 

there i stood with my Starbuck’s in hand

on the very ground it was built, in 1897

now in severe decay awaiting demolition,

it was a pale configuration

of what used to be.

 

where a congregation would meet

every Sunday

“…in the name of the Father,

the Son and the Holy Spirit…”

 

where a steeple on high

gave firm affirmation

that this was God’s house.

 

 

Reviews

[Ted Kniffen]

I love old churches and graveyards for some reason.
Here in Windsor we have the oldest Catholic church west of Montreal. It fell into disrepair but there is a concerted effort underway to restore it.

Being a Baptist ( with catholic relatives ) I envy the fact that that religion has all the best stories.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thanks, Ted. Old churches and graveyards...I'm right with you!

[Chris Shaw]

So many of our beautiful churches are no longer in use. Vanishing congregations. The buildings have become homes, galleries or even taken over by other religions. I find this sorrowful. Your God’s House allowed me to pause and reflect on times when I was a regular church goer and why I now attend only once in a while. Your writing is always a treat to visit Kelly. All good wishes.

Chris

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you most kindly, Chris. I hope you're having a lovely fall there in Berkshire!

[Chris Shaw]

It has been warm and beautiful for a while. Sadly the rain and winds have set in this weekend. Hope yours is colourful and enjoyable.

[Dara]

Kelly, I really loved this. Not only is it eloquently written it gives one the feeling of being in the presence of much higher ground. It’s sad when old buildings, especially churches, are torn down. It seems that it should almost be reveled as sacred ground. Perhaps another will takes its place but definitely without the same soulful presence. Just beautiful my friend.

[Kelly Scheppers]

So wonderful to have your presence here, with all you are preoccupied with. Please know you and Abbey are in my prayers. Much love my friend, and thank you for your visit today!

[John the Baptist]

All material things pass, including buildings, both sacred and profane. What matters is the spirits that once gathered there to affirm life.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Eloquently said, John. Thank you!

[Soren]

Immediately I thought of an old Catholic Jesuit mission called Sao Miguel that had been burned out by the Indians in the 1500's that I visited years ago. I walked its ledges and slept in its grave yard that night. This too was once a place of worship as well as death and suffering. A most interesting poem.

[Kelly Scheppers]

A most profound review, Soren. Thank you!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Kelly... Church steeples rise above the confusion on this Earth. Steeple bells ring... and Menorah Candles burn brightly as Countries cry and we pray for Healing Reeds along the Nile. softly, Pat

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for your empathy, Pat. Bless you!

[Daz]

You wrote this so vividly, I felt like I was there. This is quality writing.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you ever so kindly, Jodash!

[Daz]

You're very welcome

[Sami Khalil]

You captured it accurately and with compassion.
I like to know the history behind old buildings, worship places, modes of life.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you for being here, Sami!

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome. Thank you too.

[Lorry]

I'm not the most religious of fellows, but there is not many sights sadder than a church boarded up and left to rot.
It is usually a sign of serious downturn in its community and the only time I felt I've needed a church was the day I passed our old Chapel and saw that the Chapel itself had been flattened and services were now held in the one remaining room, which used to be the tea and coffee room for after service refreshments.
Why did I need it then? Well, one of the two words I said was holy and the other most certainly was not.
I did wonder where they'd fit the confessional, but probably best I didn't go in to find out. I'd have got at least 10 our father's and a few dozen hello dollies for my troubles! 😊

[Kelly Scheppers]

It moved me beyond words upon seeing it. I'm happy to have captured it here, and glad you enjoyed it. Thank you, Lorry!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed dear Kelly I never saw you as religious but such buildings evoke feelings in all of us and you describe your visit nicely.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I usually keep my religion and political views to myself. What a surprise it is to see you back, John. Thank you!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I have ventured back as I miss all the good poets like you who make the cafe lovely.