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Big Bend Cowboy Church
(432) 364-2822, (254) 631-8582.
Folks who attend this isolated Cowboy Church come from parts all around. They tend to be ranchers who lead isolated lives and yearn for fellowship. The Big Bend Cowboy Church website promises that "dirty boots, jeans, and hats are always welcome!" Parishioners and visitors are welcomed with coffee, donuts, and genuine warmth. Operating for five years, the good-sized fellowship is affiliated most closely with Baptist beliefs. The service includes a live country band playing what amounts to a western music concert, and an inspirational sermon--when I attended it was on the subject of feuds. Situated inside a gigantic one-room space that is a former woolen mill, big garage doors open wide here to the rustic hillside scenery outside. Floors are cement, chairs are comfortably padded, and a horse water trough is used for baptisms. Folks with dogs and toddlers sit in the back at picnic tables where they can move freely. Though I was expecting some horses to be tied up to the hitching post out front, the parking lot was filled with American-made pickups.
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| exterior of Big Bend Cowboy Church in Alpine, Texas |
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view
from front porch of Big Bend Cowboy Church in Alpine, Texas
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Folks who attend this isolated Cowboy Church come from parts all around. They tend to be ranchers who lead isolated lives and yearn for fellowship. The Big Bend Cowboy Church website promises that "dirty boots, jeans, and hats are always welcome!" Parishioners and visitors are welcomed with coffee, donuts, and genuine warmth. Operating for five years, the good-sized fellowship is affiliated most closely with Baptist beliefs. The service includes a live country band playing what amounts to a western music concert, and an inspirational sermon--when I attended it was on the subject of feuds. Situated inside a gigantic one-room space that is a former woolen mill, big garage doors open wide here to the rustic hillside scenery outside. Floors are cement, chairs are comfortably padded, and a horse water trough is used for baptisms. Folks with dogs and toddlers sit in the back at picnic tables where they can move freely. Though I was expecting some horses to be tied up to the hitching post out front, the parking lot was filled with American-made pickups.
band rehearsal at Big Bend Cowboy Church
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congregation gathers at Big Bend
Cowboy Church in Alpine, Texas
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cowboy
family at Big Bend Cowboy Church in Alpine, Texas
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congregants
at Big Bend Cowboy Church in Alpine, Texas
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congregation
at Big Bend Cowboy Church in Alpine, Texas
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song
book at Big Bend Cowboy Church in Alpine, Texas
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Itinerary for road trip through West Texas.
Things to do in El Paso.
Things to do in El Paso.
More
ideas for exploring the U.S.
Well that definitely looks unique and right in place - so very different from my world.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't familiar with the concept of a "cowboy church" - an interesting idea!
ReplyDeleteJust goes to show God is everywhere, doesn't it? I'd love to attend a service at Big Bend Cowboy church if for no other reason but to hear the music!
ReplyDeleteOh, I would love to attend a service here! I loved this post, Carole!!
ReplyDelete