Church is the people's rock

[Dale_M]

This article concerns a rural church which was closed by the diocese, but saved from the bulldozer by determined former parishioners.

Walk through the church’s front double doors, look straight ahead and take a moment. Every first-time visitor takes a moment.

Then you say to yourself, or to whoever is lucky enough to be with you, this place is truly spectacular. Sit on one of the narrow, hard pews and study it all. The longer you look, the more you see.

You realize Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church is absolutely a treasure.

And, thank God, it still stands amid the farmsteads and fields of eastern Keokuk County.

“The diocese shut us down - the usual reasons, priest shortage, fewer members - and we understood that,” said Michael Berg, who lives down the road. “We didn’t like it, but we understood. Then they told us it was going to be bulldozed. That we didn’t understand. We said no way. The people who live here wouldn’t allow it.”

desmoinesregister.com/article/20090802/NEWS03/908020335

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[Luke65]

“No way!” I love it. Well done, Mr. Berg, et al. And thanks, Dale, for another interesting story.

 

[cyberwolf001]

I do not care what your faith is that is an awesome story!