Near the outskirts of Carthage, MO is an homage to the “Precious Moments” catalog order company, as well as a place of worship. The teardrop eyed figurines created by Samuel J. Butcher are immortalized forever within a visitors center, park, and chapel that has been in operation since 1989.
Fans of the collectibles still stream in to seek rare figurines only available at the gift shop, meander through the rows of childlike statues, and marvel at the murals within the chapel. Many of the statues and paintings depict children as angels in heaven, or biblical characters re-enacting religious scenes. There are also displays detailing scenarios of grief and death. This includes a statue commemorating the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing, and a room dedicated to the creator’s son who passed away at a young age.
Although many aspects of the visitors center have closed down, there is still plenty to see at the Precious Moments Chapel & Gift Shop. They are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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