America, the Beautiful: St. Olafs Kirke (The Rock Church), Cransfills Gap, Texas

There is so much beauty in the world, and even though this blog will probably have a lot of makeup and skincare opinions, I want to also reach out to the beauty in the United States of America. We are truly fortunate to live in such a free country that has beauty around every corner, and different types of beauty from sea to shining sea! If you feel negative about our country, take a drive and find little places of beauty to lift your heart.

Picture from St Olaf's Kirke Pamphlet

Many people know that I love Texas. Texas is just an amazing place with absolutely amazing people. It's SO big, there's no way you can get bored. My dad is from Texas, so we visited quite often throughout my life. (Side note: my mother was from Michigan, so I'll have a lot to talk about regarding that beautiful state as well!)

On a recent trip to my dad's hometown of Gatesville, Texas, my wonderful cousin, Judy Pruitt, took us for a drive, She showed us this amazing church, built in 1886, in the middle of what seems to be nowhere! It's called "St. Olaf's Kirke". Before you get this guy's image in your head and start singing the "Let It Go" song, let me tell you a little about it.

To learn more about the Norwegian immigration, I would suggest reading this: The First Norwegian Migration into Texas.

Here is a picture of what it looks like from the road in front of the gate:

You can see that it is in a rural community, just the way the original Norwegians wanted their community to be. Doesn't look to pleasant, does it? Well, keep your britches on because I'm fixin' to show you some interesting details!

St. Olaf's Kirke has NO running water and NO electricity! No, people throughout the generations have kept it as true to it's original construction the best that they can. It is heated by an old wood-burning stove, but there's no air conditioner.

It has its original and rare Vocalion Reed Pump Organ that was manufactured before 1900. It sits upstairs and is quite beautiful! This picture doesn't do justice to it's beauty!!!

There are pews for people to sit on, but the pulpit? Sake's alive! The pulpit is so beautiful and obvious care was used to build it. It has a lot of inlaid wood and details that you just don't see much these days.

The pulpit where the pastor goes to give his sermons (the extended part next to the crosses) is accessible through stairs behind. It intricacies and detail makes this quite a piece of art. It's breathtaking!

The church mainly is used for special services according to their pamphlet. There are Easter services, and one to not miss is their Christmas Candlelight Services. I have not been to their Christmas Candlelight Service (my cousin has), but I can only imagine it being divine. They also have special services, such as weddings and funerals (there is a cemetery and gathering place that is more modern).

If you would like to find out more, call either 254-597-2453 or 214-979-0711. They also have an email address of RockChurchWed@embarqmail.com.

I'd like to personally thank the congregation of this church for their service to keep this historical church so well-maintained. And, I also want to thank my cousin, Judy Pruitt, for sharing.