People are always asking me what Thorncrown Chapel looks like in the snow. I answer that it is gorgeous. In a real good snow followed by enough cold weather, icicles up to five or six feet long line the bluffs that surround the chapel. On a sunny day when things are just right, ice on the trees glistens in the sun making the surroundings look like a crystal forest carpeted with white snow. It really is a sight to behold. However, few people get to see it. At such times the roads are usually a bit dangerous making it very hard to get up to the chapel.

One year we had a particularly heavy snow. There was a couple that wanted to get married at Thorncrown Chapel. We told them that it was simply impossible to get a car up to the chapel parking lot. Yet, they were so determined to have their special day at the chapel, they parked at the bottom of the hill, put plastic bags around their feet to protect their tux and wedding dress, and walked up to Thorncrown. They had their wedding, and it was absolutely beautiful. They took some pictures. Click on the link below to see a great shot they got of the chapel. It is kind of big, so it may take a moment or two to load.

http://www.thorncrown.com/snowstory.jpg

Every once and awhile I like to share words people have written about Thorncrown Chapel. Last year Thorncrown received the AIA 25 year award. Engraved on the plaque we received were the following words:

Like faith, beyond the tyranny of time,

Like hope, unfettered by gravity,

Like love, not overtaken but all-conquering,

Revealing its secrets in company

And in solitude, in rain and in sunlight,

In the call of birds, the footfall of strangers,

And the rustling of groves unleafing themselves,

Giving ear to the stranger’s prayer

And the music of the spheres,

Hand-hewn from the heart,

Accommodating belief and unbelief,

Letting the outside in.

A fellow named Tom Green visited Thorncrown Chapel last week. While there, he wrote a poem about the chapel. He gave me permission to share it with you all.

There is a chapel in the woods

Admired by those who love good

In a world where hurry rules

Its solace is its crowning jewel

A pattern not unlike straight thorns

Here in this place hope may be reborn

When it seems you plans have died

Perhaps it is time to let go of pride

On a floor of rich brown stone

Give God what you don’t own

Beneath the dappled shade of trees

In quietness the Lord is pleased

Listening to hear His voice

He will show your best life choice

Leave behind you worldly hurry

Your doubt and unbelief and worry

He knows how to gently lead

How to grow once planted seeds

Within the soil of your heart

You will find the place to start

On a hill where three trees grew

The center one is meant for you

Flowing from it blood and water

Washing many sons and daughters

Tom Green manages a store in Branson Missouri ( http://www.wtrails.com/). He has a poetry writing ministry that has blessed many people.

There is something new at the Thorncrown Chapel website. The folks at New Spin 360 have created a virtual tour of Thorncrown. I have seen 360 panoramic views on the web before, but this is one of the best I have ever seen. If you have never visited Thorncrown Chapel, this is the closest thing to being there. The flash movie is over two megabytes, so if you are using a dialup modem, please be patient.

Click here to view the tour 

The folks at Google have made a 3D model of Thorncrown Chapel that is viewable with Google Earth. You can completely circle the chapel and look inside. Google Earth is free, and you can download the 3D model by clicking below.

Click Here 

Recently, the American Institute of Architecture sponsored a Harris Interactive survey to find America's 150 most beloved buildings. Thorncrown Chapel came in 60th. We placed ahead of places like the Crystal Cathedral,  the Guggenheim Museum, and Yankee Stadium. Not bad for a small building in the middle of the Ozarks.

The Empire State Building was first followed by the White House and the Washington National Cathedral. To view the entire list, click here.