IN MY BACKROADS travels around Minnesota, I’ve often stopped at churches, drawn by their history, architecture and art. Churches are, to me, more than houses of worship. They are also galleries, museums, centers of praise and grief and joy.
There’s almost something holy about stepping inside a church, into the quiet of a space graced by colorful stained glass windows, religious sculptures, pews worn by the hands of many.
I feel a sense of reverence in the light, in the stillness, in the peace that fills an empty sanctuary. I feel centered. Calm. Enveloped by the sheer beauty surrounding me.
That beauty often emanates from the art. Stained glass windows, designed and built by skilled artisans, add a dimension of sacredness that appears heavenly when sunlight streams through glass.
Themed to history, those windows visually tell stories written within the bible. Many focus on Holy Week: The Last Supper. Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane. The crucifixion of Jesus. And then His glorious resurrection on Easter morning.
Sculptures, too, depict the same in life-size statues.
Sacred and religious art is powerful. It evokes emotions. Inspires. Uplifts. Gives reason to pause and reflect.
This Holy Week, as my thoughts turn more reflective and inward, I feel deep gratitude for the long ago faithful who created the stained glass windows, the sculptures and other art adorning churches. These works of art are worthy of our attention, our appreciation, no matter religious affiliation or not.
I can only imagine how many eyes have focused on the art within sanctuary walls. During baptisms. During weddings. During funerals. And during worship services. Joy. Comfort. Peace. Blessings. They’re there, all there, within the art within these sacred spaces.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
thank you, Audrey, you for your great work. We painted Christdala last summer removed all of the old lead-based paint down to the original Oak siding. Stop by the schoolhouse sometime. We try to keep it open a couple of weekends a month.
Wayne Quist
Wayne, thank you for all your hard work in keeping Christdala in excellent condition. It’s a beautiful church in a beautiful location. I’ve been to the schoolhouse museum, photographed and wrote about it on my blog. But that was quite a number of years ago. Thanks for the invitation.
Beautiful images, Audrey. That altar painting is just stunning. ❤
I’m glad you appreciate the art as much as I do.
yes, there is something about being immersed within them, it brings a special warmth and feeling that is hard to replicate anywhere else. to stand in a sacred place, surrounded by the beauty, the art, the symbols, the sheer spiritual power of being present, brings a joy and recognition in one’s heart and soul. beautiful post, Audrey
Thank you, Beth. And your comment is equally as beautiful.
Churches certainly have a special charm and sacred beauty, no matter our own personal religious beliefs. Because they hold so much history of a place, they’re one of my favorite buildings to photograph when we travel.
Rose, it sounds like you treasure churches as much as I do. I’ve photographed many in my area of southern Minnesota. Unfortunately, many are locked now so I have to settle for photographing the exteriors. That said, I’ve found many with open doors, too.
Oh my goodness!!! St Michaels church is where my Mom and Dad were married many moons ago!!!! My mom and Dad of course are gone now but were both born in 1921 and my dad was at Camp Ripley for awhile during the war. Thank u for the memories!!! Love Kathyg Happy Easter
I am often surprised by the connections people have to photos I took and posted. I’m happy I could bring back memories for you today.
St. Michael’s is my husband Randy’s childhood church. He grew up on a farm south of Buckman. I have been to family weddings and funerals at St. Michael’s. It’s an incredibly beautiful church, especially after the interior was refurbished. My parents-in-law and a brother-in-law are buried in the church cemetery across the highway. Small world that St. Michael’s is where your parents were married. Thank you for sharing that with me, Kathy.
what a very small world we live in. God brings these wonderful memories back to us and then include others who share in them at different times in their lives. Amazing!!
I continue to be amazed at how God brings people into our lives, you into mine. And then to have that St. Michael’s connection…
Beautiful and reverent pictures. Thanks so much for sharing.
You are welcome. I wanted to reshare these photos from my collection during Holy Week. Have a blessed Easter, my friend!
I, too, am grateful for these works of art. They are, indeed, worthy of our attention and reflection.
🙂