I was just curious if any of you had felt God strongly inside the Wilderness Church? Meaning, have any of you really used the church as a continuance of worship or prayer? We have posted about our connections of the calm and relaxed feelings we get, but I would like to hear stories and anecdotes of their religious and spiritual feelings from SDC. Thanks!
Yes, I used to attend church services (in my SDC costume no less) when I worked there. It felt like an honest to goodness church service and God was definitely present. The addition of us citizens gave the guests a better sense of how connected we were to our way of life.
I also have felt that way at the church, but I have to say I've felt it also in other spots around the park also, especially at Christmas season.
I felt like that the first time I went to a service at the wilderness church. There was a guest speaker when I came and he preached about things I really needed to hear. The rest of the day I had a relaxed and calm feeling. :)
Actually, I felt like doing my homework! No, just joking...ya see, the church was originally a school house, and was made into a church when it was relocated to the park. The church is one of my favorite buildings on park...now if we could just get rid of the condos on the lake so we could have an unadorned view of nature in all it's splendor!
I just had this thought this morning of the way we talk about routines or special things we do at SDC. I wondered if people made the church part of their SDC routine. Like going there first to pray for their safety and for God to watch over them as they go about the day. Or.....if they pray before they get there and do it in their hotel/motel room before they even get on the road?!
I have been to the services, some more touching than others, I have spent quiet times in prayer in the church and been fully immersed with faith. Likewise I have had these same faith filled feelings elsewhere in the park, most in quiet out of the way spots. I am just saying this because I feel that though a church is a place for a few to gether in praise, one can do this anywhere in the park . Part of this ability at SDC moreso than other places comes from the faith of the founders and their attempts to keep it a faithful Christian based company. Praise Him!
Ditto! :)
I never really noticed anthing until we started coming for Christmas about 8 years ago, and then it was just awe-inspiring. SDC really has a special spirit that is rooted in the faith of her founders. I feel that spirit everytime I go there, and it beckons me to come back. I feel sorry for the multitudes that walk through her gates and never take time to sense that spirit. I know I didn't for a long time. But now I drink deeply of it every time I have the opportunity.
I get that feeling from the moment I turn down the road to SDC until I leave in the evening. But the spirit at Christmas time brings me to tears.
I could actually feel the Spirit of God (the anointing) 2 years ago when I went to see Dailey and Vincent at the Opera House. They sang "By the Mark." At the end of the song they put down their instruments and sang the song worshipfully, acapella. It was beautiful. After the show, there were a couple of older gentlemen in the bathroom by the Opera House and I heard them talking about how that song brought tears to their eyes. Unfortunately I was unable to see Dailey and Vincent this year.
Here it is from 2008... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZgMqBKH6Ek
Thanks for posting. :)
I also appreciate the post....Another time I felt the presence of God was when Ricky Skaggs was the final performer of the Bluegrass Fesitival...Seems like that was 3-4 years ago. He practically preached a message during the show...I love the Bluegrass Festival...
Bringing back an old thread. I feel His presence really strongly in that building, but I feel the presence of God everywhere in the Ozark.
Like "preachin' Bill" in SOTH says God was sure looking at the Ozarks when He looked at the works of His hands and called it good. Which I had the book with me. I quote it more precisely.
But to answer the question, I attended service there on Sunday when I was there in October, and I could feel God's presence there. The church was packed and the sermon was good. I understand that the preacher there has only been there a couple years, but he is a very good preacher.
This brings up a good question, How many other theme parks have a church on the premises?
I know Dogpatch used to:Here are a few photos from a year or so back.
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/IMG_3163.jpg)
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/IMG_3159.jpg)
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/IMG_3161.jpg)
I was married in that church. It always make me feel amazing when I go in there.
I got married in the Wilderness Church on a Dec 16th. It was 8 degrees outside and in. Record for the day. But you're right, I feel the Spirit there often.
I wouldn't say that I necessarily get a spiritual feeling when visiting Silver Dollar City, but it sure is very peaceful place for the heart, and soul. Silver Dollar City, and even the Ozarks for that matter really help me to appreciate life. :)
My Family always tries to visit the Wilderness Church at least once every time we visit SDC. I always feel Gods presence in that beautiful old church. Also, right before the tree lighting ceremony, when the speaker talks about the life of Jesus, we always get a warm fuzzy feeling. I also feel Gods presence during the train ride when "Grandpa" tells the real "Reason for the Season." I love the values that SDC was founded on, & I am very thankful that the company hasn't strayed from them.
Quote from: Zephon on November 11, 2010, 08:52:08 PM
I got married in the Wilderness Church on a Dec 16th. It was 8 degrees outside and in. Record for the day. But you're right, I feel the Spirit there often.
We were also married in the Wilderness Church. It was in October--unseasonably warm. But even before we were married there, I'd always felt a special peace in the church.
Another awesome thread from old...
The whole park does it for me. The first time I went around 5yrs ago, the sons of the silver dollar were praising the Lord with a song as we walked in. An elderly woman was telling a story with a biblical lesson to children on the front porch of the cabin. Later I heard the Bankesters singing like a band of angels. All the employees were happy and friendly while they worked. I thought this is the best glimpse of what heaven will be like that we can see on earth.
I agree with you SDcnut...welcome to the forums
Absolutely one of the main reasons we vacation there. Outlaw run and things like that are nice but this gives the park true meaning and atmosphere you can't just find anywhere. Of course you can find God everywhere and anywhere, but the church, park, and Ozark area are religious vacation destinations.