The Chapel in the Woods

Feb 29, 2008 - 10:34 AM PST

I had to go to a city nearby for a work meeting yesterday, which happens to also be the city where I grew up. On my way home, I decided to stop off at this little chapel that I had always found fascinating, I had my camera and I wanted to get some pictures. To my dismay, someone had broken the stained glass display that you could see through the chapel window. I would almost bet it was some young punk with no regard for either spirituality or the private property of others. The lack of respect for the sacredness of the place...it's just so disgusting.

This small chapel is non-denominational, built by the owner of the land for anyone to use. People from all over the U.S. and even other countries have visited this place. It is outside of town, set back away, in a small wooded area. It has, for me, always been a place of quietude, reflection, peace. While not a "normal" church, by any means, it is still a Spiritual, if not religious place. I can't see how someone could defile a place such as this. Such a shame. I am sure another kind-hearted soul will come a long and replace the broken stained glass display. That is how it *normally* goes there. People will bring small statuary and place it around the grounds, people have planted flowers, hung windchimes, there is even a donations box, though it looks like someone has been trying to break into it, too. Vandals come and go, but the true spirit of the place will always win out. And that thought does bring me a small amount of comfort.