PRECIOUS MOMENTS CHAPEL FREE

While Sam had spent many years creating this masterpiece, his personal life was filled with difficulties. Many of the characters that touch our hearts express the hope that Sam has for those that have gone before us. Scattered throughout the paintings are images of people that are dear to Sam. A gathering of angels is ready to welcome her in. The painting shows a young girl standing at the gates of heaven. It is designed to be a reflection of heaven through the eyes of a child. When we entered the main Chapel, we were greeted by the massive “Hallelujah Square” mural. He wanted it to be a reflection of his deep belief in God. Hurrying down it, we entered the serene space to view the grand work of Sam Butcher.ĭuring the construction of the chapel and supporting buildings, Sam had time to think about the subject of his decorations. Staying along the paved pathway led us to the shrub-lined entrance to the Chapel. The day was overcast and filled with rain showers, so we skipped an in-depth view of the grounds. After exploring the visitors center, we made our way outdoors. Entering through the gift shop, we chose to take a self-guided tour. This time we were seeing it with fresh eyes. We had made a visit many years ago, but the memories had faded. While the changing times have lowered the number of visitors, there is still a steady flow on most days. Being located on the edge of the Ozarks made it an ideal stop for people traveling Route 66.

PRECIOUS MOMENTS CHAPEL FREE

To allow everyone the opportunity to see his handiwork, the property offered free admission. The monies earned from the sale of his figurines were pumped back into this project. He opened it in 1989 and it has since been visited by millions of people from around the globe. It would take five years of painstaking work to create and decorate the Precious moments Chapel. With an air of determination, Sam set about fulfilling his dream on the outskirts of Carthage. This would inspire him to create his own masterpiece that would console and inspire others. A visit to Rome had provided him a view of the Sistine Chapel. His grand design would include a chapel where he could express his faith and love for God. By the mid-1980s, Sam was on his quest for a new home base. He would receive tons of letters from adoring fans who felt touched by their message. The statuaries created from Sam’s art quickly grew in popularity. In just a few short years, Sam had created a line of 21 individual figurines. His first piece was titled “Love One Another” and was produced in porcelain. Soon after, an American giftware distributor approached Sam with the request to produce a three-dimensional prototype. At a Christian Booksellers convention, they were greeted with an overwhelming demand for their products. Originally, it was two-dimensional drawings used for greeting cards and posters. His foray into business involved Sam and a friend, Bill Biel. Although, the dream of this janitor-turned artist still remains. These days, the changing times have caused the crowds to dwindle. Nearby Carthage would become the home of the Precious Moments Chapel, which would draw in millions of fans.

During a stay in Joplin, Missouri, he felt the call to build in the heart of the country. Artist and creator Sam Butcher was preparing to launch on a journey to find a home for the pinnacle of his dream. The bulb-eyed figurines were flying off the shelves as fast as they could be restocked. By that time, the Precious Moments figurine craze was growing. Back in 1982, we began our family with the birth of our daughter.

Precious moments chapel