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Precious Moments Value Guide

By Katherine Lancaster, collectibles writer

"The Chapel" Poem
On a hill overlooking a quiet blue stream
is a chapel of beauty and praise
that graces a landscape of flowering fields
'neath a pillar of heavenly rays
It is to the weary a haven of rest
where the spirit of God gently falls
on those who find peace from the spiritual scenes that cover the beautiful walls
On wings of soft music a story is told
of the one who has come from above
to a world without hope with a message of peace as he spoke of his Father's great love
In the Chapel his message is still carried on
in a sweet way as never before
and all those who come to feel the presence of Jesus the moment they walk through the door
-Samuel J. Butcher
1993

These lines from a poem written by artist and Precious Moments® creator Sam Butcher is etched in marble near the Chapel Gates and express his vision of his now famous Chapel located just southwest of Carthage Missouri.

After years of prayerful dreaming, careful research and inspired planning, Butcher realized his most significant life's work with the 1986 ground-breaking for the Precious Moments Chapel. Celebrating its 10th glorious year, the chapel is nestled on hundreds of acres among the Ozarks and farmland in Carthage, MO. There were times, Butcher said, when discouragement shrouded his efforts, but "I was determined to accomplish what I felt the Lord had laid upon my heart."

Since its completion in 1989, the beautiful Italian pre-Renaissance-style sanctuary is the destination for almost a million visitors annually. They come to see the original works of art so lovingly created by this humble "chalk minister," who teaches the word of God through illustrations featuring his Precious Moments messengers of loving, caring and sharing.

The Chapel Complex now encompasses approximately 3000 acres and consists of The Chapel Visitors' Center (including gift shops, a deli and a ticket and information center); The Chapel; The Fountain of Angels; The Wedding Island; and several supporting buildings for office, convention and general use. In addition to the attractions that are part of The Chapel Complex, The Precious Moments Best Western Hotel and Cubby Bear's RV Park provide year-round lodging for guests to the area.

Murals depict Bible stories and so much more

More than 50 murals grace more than 5,000 square feet of The Chapel's wall and ceilings, created and colored by Sam in the rich hues of the Renaissance art that inspired him. Within these inspiring images of hope and faith, Butcher's beloved Precious Moments characters portray historic Biblical figures in murals depicting the Creation, a tribute to the arts, Old Testament Bible stories, heroes of the New Testament, acts of service, the life of Jesus and the parables of Jesus.

Children's activities on Grandpa's Island (a child-sized castle that Butcher built for his grandchildren) are also depicted. One last mural portrays Hallelujah Square in the kingdom of Heaven, a place where families are reunited, hurts are mended and all are happy. Visitors will note that the Christ figure, at the center of this mural, is the only non-Precious Moments figure depicted in the chapel.

Perhaps the most impressive painting; however, is the 1,400-square-foot ceiling mural inspired by Michelangelo's Creation in the Sistine Chapel. In a test of faith, determination and talent, Butcher painted the breathtaking scene of cherubic angels floating among clouds. This was especially challenging, as Butcher had to lie flat on his back on a scaffold 35 feet in the air!

Exquisite Artistry in Every Graceful Line

The chapel is awash with richly colored light from 30 highly detailed stained glass windows designed by Butcher and crafted from 1,200 pieces of glass. The window above the chapel's main entrance portrays two celebration angels. The seven windows of the East Gallery illustrate the 23rd Psalm and the seven windows of the West Gallery depict the Beatitudes.

Butcher's artistry is also evident around as well as within the Chapel including the exquisite wrought iron gates at the end of the welcoming Avenue of Angels.

Other attractions include the magnificent Fountain Of Angels, which also began as an inspiration, and a dream of the artist. It took more than five years and the work of many artisans from halfway around the world to make Butcher's dream a reality, and in 1999 construction was completed on the new Fountain Building to house this exquisite masterpiece of Butcher's faith.

Visitors Are Always Welcome

For more information, interested visitors can contact the Chapel Complex at 1-800-543-7975. A must-see for devoted Precious Moments fans the chapel and its grounds are continuously expanding to incorporate new attractions developed from Butcher's fertile mind and talented hands.