While previewing property in Kaufman yesterday I stumbled upon this old Church. Curious minds want to know, so I parked my car to get a closer look. Almost immediately, I experienced a sense of peace. The building was very old and I wondered how many people enter through the red doors? The door was locked and I paused to think, how many tears have fallen to the floors, exactly how many people exchanged marriage vows, what types of songs were sung from the beginning when this Church was built and how many would I recognize?
If I could hear stories about the number of hello’s and sad goodbyes, would I cry? I felt moisture in my eyes and realized this Church is a House of Prayer. A house offers shelter and hope. Inside, people look for comfort. They expect wisdom and answers to their prayers. It’s a private affair and respect needs to be honored. I walked around back and still wondered what went on behind closed doors?
The Gothic architecture made me wonder, who built this Church? How many people were involved in the original construction and how many labored to maintain it over the years? What kind of people live in Kaufman and make it their home? This Church is part of the community – is this a tight knit community where everybody knows your name? I was a stranger to Kaufman, but I felt a sense of belonging. The people in charge of preservation, especially the historical society would have answers to many of my questions.
Questions and answers… I looked around at the construction and felt the labor of love. The historical landmark said the church was organized in 1870.
Strong, healthy iris plants were growing in the back. Do the people in Kaufman grow up to be strong? This was once a farming community.The doors looked freshly painted. From the ground I examined the windows, steeple, shingles, and the bell on top. I wondered what it sounded like and all I heard was the beating of my heart. I was dressed in business casual. Did the women who attended Church long before I was born wear long dresses, boots to keep their feet out of the mud? Did the women wear white gloves and colorful hats or bonnets? I looked around at the people on the streets in faded blue jeans and t-shirts. How would women be regarded today if they still dressed up and how much more confident would a young woman feel if just one day a week she felt like a lady and was treated like a lady? Why do customs die and who sets the standards or the styles?
What is it about following the light that attracts some people and wards off others? And do the doors of the church represent the heart that is open to positive change or does it cause more pain and suffering? Churches have been around for a very long time. How long will the architectural wonder last in today's society and that is the question each person must ask.
©Story and photographs by Patricia Feager 4/18/2013
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