the cathedral of the plains

On our trip out to Quinter and Wakeeney Kansas this past weekend, we took advantage of the opportunity to see a few of the "8 Wonders of Kansas".   Those places you always mean to get to but somehow never do.  

This is the Basilica of St. Fidelis and is commonly known as "The Cathedral of the Plains".   Construction was begun in 1908 and the exterior is made of native limestone which was quarried from the area.  No lifts or power tools were used in it's construction. 

The statue below Volga German Family was sculpted by Pete Felten in 1976. 

I belong to the contingent of people who love stained glass windows, the faint scent of incense, and I can not pass up an opportunity to light a candle for someone.   Sometimes three someones. 

Equally as interesting to me were the iron crosses in the St. Fidelis cemetery.   These are apparently a traditional grave marker among Germans from Russia.  The immigrants in the Victoria Kansas area were known as Volga-Germans.  I also read that these markers were a matter of practicality because wooden crosses would not withstand the winds and weather out on the plains. 

I have never seen grave markers like this before.  Unique and beautiful.  If any of you have further information about them, please share in the comments.  We did not make it into the parish office and I am kicking myself for this because I see in the brochure I picked up in the vestibule, there is an item for sale in there I certainly need.  The parish cookbook - Towers of Heavenly Recipes.  I am going to go on line and try to order it.  Fear not.  I intend to share. 

Comments

[Chris Oliveira]

The crosses are my favorite. Wow! They are beautiful.

[Karen Schumacher]

I am absolutely stunned by the iron crosses! Thank you so much for sharing them.

[Joan]

I,ve never seen such crosses anywhere. Could they be replicas of ones used in cemeteries in Russia (also known for harsh winters?) So many of the old churches have been torn down, sold off & gone to ruin. A real shame. I too love the smells and the bells, nothing like it for feeling like you're in a holy place.

Love the story of the kitty.

[barbara]

What a beautiful cemetery. Those crosses are magnificent.