An Unexpected Treasure:
St. Joseph's Church, Damar, Kan.

Exterior

Spotting the parish church is easy in Damar, Kan.

Damar skyline

Other than the elevator at the other end of the village, the church and the water tower make up the skyline.

The town is so proud of their church that it's featured on their street signs.

The church was partially built from native Kansas limestone in the Romanesque style with volunteer labor.

Church took five years to build after the cornerstone was laid.

Interior

Downstairs

I had heard so much about this wonderful church, but so far wasn't all that impressed. Many area churches are built with similar materials in a similar style.

But then our tour guide, Brian Newell, Mayor of Damar, opened the church door.

Eric and I were both in awe.
first view of church

This was our first view of the interior. We had come as professionals to take pictures and interview for an article in "Kansas Traveler". We needed to pay attention to what Brian was telling us, not get sidetracked by any emotional responses. Even so, I wanted to drop to my knees in worship.

"Worthy is the Lamb!"

altarpiece

Once the lights came up, the gold leaf with which the church is painted came into better view. A leaky roof had let in damaging moisture and the church had to be restored. The restoration company suggested that the gold leaf be replaced with metallic paint. The church board refused. The church had gold leaf before and it would continue to have gold leaf.

altarpiece at an angle showing the angels

More angels originally bedecked the altar, but one of the parish priests had given them all away. Recently, these two angels came home after their owner passed away. Location of the other angels remains unknown.

Crucifix and surrounding arches are made from stone and ceramic.

Painting of the Lamb of God adored by angels was executed in gold leaf and oil paint.

<Replica of Michaelangelo's "Pieta" stands to the left of the altar.

Last Supper bas relief

This bas relief of the Last Supper is carved into the altar support. It was originally painted in bright colors, but one of the priests felt that the bright colors detracted from what was going on in the service. He had the sculpture repainted in these duller colors.

Pillars are gypsum, not marble. A process called "scagliola" makes gypsum appear to be marble. According to Wikipedia.com, "Batches of pigmented plaster (ground alabaster or gypsum) modified with animal glue are applied to molds, armatures and pre-plastered wall planes in a manner that accurately mimics natural stone, breccia and marble." Some of the church's stained glass was antique glass imported from Europe.

Upstairs

View from the church balcony

A painting of St. Luke, author of the "Gospel According to Luke" and "Acts of the Apostles" is above the nearer Corinthian capital.

St. Joan of Arc, Patron Saint of France, is depicted in the right stained glass window. Damar was founded by French Canadian immigrants after the Civil War.

St. Mark, author of the "Gospel According to Mark", is depicted here. One of the Four Living Creatures who sit by the Throne of God praising Him continually is depicted above Mark.

Even the bracket connecting the lamps to the ceiling is exquisitely detailed.

The identity of some of the saints depicted in the stained glass windows have been lost, including these two women. The lamp is handmade.

This rose window depicts the sacrifice and triumph of the Lamb of God.

This rose window above the entrance is titled "Penance".

These pictures do not show the church's full beauty, which is truly amazing. Eric has visited the cathedral in Chatres, France, and Notre Dame in Paris. He says the church in Damar is worthy to stand in their company.

But all glory truly belongs to God. He alone is worthy of our praise and honor and worship.

All photos are copyright Eric and Roxie Yonkey, 2007. For more information, see St. Joseph's site at KansasTravel.org and the Kansas Skyways site.

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