Poem from the perspective of Fr. J. Rice Taylor.
I stand on the corner of Hoffman and Grand, looking up I smile like the sun as I look at the new church Gratitude is the only word I think of when watching the people enter the parish I am an artist after he completes a masterpiece The people greet each other with exuberant smiles and warm hugs I feel honored to be a part of this church The bell rings for the first time, signaling the start of service As people walk inside, they are captivated by the site The stained glass never seems to fail to entrance eyes all around The piano sings sweet melodies Instruments and voices are prancing proudly It’s as if the sun cries out and more light shines through the windows I know I have accomplished my mission This church will live on for ages in this community I can just see God smiling from up above Poem from the perspective of the building.
Throughout my years, I’ve been through thick and thin 143 years of living comes with some ups and downs People from all walks of life have come in Amazed by my architecture in such a small town I lost hope when we had a decline, but by the will of God we survived I knew that the ground I stood on would forever be mine Like flowers in the spring, we thrived In my church it’s an escape from reality The people pray, sing, and laugh together They become all one family with great hospitality No matter how far or condition of the weather I’ve been here over a century and have heard many sounds The bell rings and feet tap and click on the floor I hear the piano beautifully sing with sound that surrounds, and when everybody goes for the day, it leaves me wanting more I’m so grateful to be the place of joy and comfort for many I’ve gained so much wisdom on how to survive This church is a guide, following out the words from Matthew 28:17-20 and I know that forever we’ll thrive Poem from the perspective of a parishioner. She was heading to church, walking down Hoffman Street The closer she got, the more she wondered about the visitors she’d meet All the families at the church were talking together without hesitance She could hear the children at sunday school giggling in the distance The stained glass windows are an artist’s palette of paints Church walls adorned with murals of the saints All Saints is on a beautiful lakeshore estate The tall roof and steeple standing in as ladders to heaven’s gate She feels at home inside the beautiful parish It is a place that herself and others will forever cherish Music flowing from the piano, sweet as birds singing on prairies Voices blending together in perfect harmony like songful canaries Pastor Stoppel’s lecture reminds her about what’s right and wrong It gives her courage and it keeps her going strong Their prayers are so intense, asking to forgive any kind of offense Suddenly the sun got brighter and the air became less dense Communion of bread and wine has fulfilled her spiritual appetite The world will be at peace, no worries for her tonight When mass is over, she crosses herself and says, “Amen.” She feels like she will have to wait an eternity for Sunday to come again. |