There’s No Chapel In The World Like This One In Missouri
By Stephanie Butler|Published May 15, 2016
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Stephanie Butler
Author
A native Midwesterner with a love for family, friends, and learning new things. In second-stage of career life, this former college instructor enjoys contributing to OIYS, blogging, reading, and spending time with her kids.
The Precious Moments Chapel is truly a special place. Since its opening in 1989, it has welcomed millions of visitors. A beautiful vision by artist and Precious Moments creator Sam Butcher, the Chapel was inspired by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in Rome. Located just outside of Carthage, in the scenic Ozarks, the chapel is adorned by amazing murals, angels, stained glass and other artwork by Butcher. It sits on beautifully landscaped grounds with gardens and statues that truly evoke a feeling of peace and tranquility.
The Chapel features 84 glorious hand painted murals that cover 9,000 square feet of the walls and ceiling. The innocent, child-like Precious Moments characters depict stories from the bible.
The large mural that serves as the centerpiece of is "Hallelujah Square," which depicts Mr. Butcher’s vision of Heaven as a place of reunion and joy.
The 30 intricate stained glass windows that grace the Chapel feature hundreds of rich, jewel-tone colors. The chapel itself shows exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, including the elaborate design of the ironwork gates, hand-carved entry doors, and bronze work.
On site, there is the world’s largest Precious Moments gift shop that is a vision all its own, which includes a year-round Christmas Shop. The Royal Delights Café and Bakery is located in the Visitor’s Center and The Samuel J. Butcher Museum and Gallery contains amazing art and historical information about the site and the man.
There are some people who are not fans of Precious Moments, but if you are, you will love this place. Even those who find Precious Moments children "creepy" can still enjoy the beautiful grounds and appreciate the scope of the artwork and inspiration and vision of Samuel Butcher.
Here is a great video by YouTube user Isaac Chua that gives you an idea of what you will see.