by Sheila O'Connor
eddings are always
romantic, and even more so if the church is old. The Mission of the Sacred
Heart, in Coeur dAlene, Idaho, makes a perfect setting for an especially
romantic wedding.
The mission is not only the oldest remaining building in Idaho, but has played
a key role in the history of the Northwest. Constructed between 1850 and 1853
by Catholic missionaries and members of Coeur dAlenes Native American
tribe, the mission is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places
(as is Coeur dAlenes Old Mission State Park, in which the mission
is located). A visit reveals the dynamics and complexities between the Jesuit
missionaries and the tribal people among whom they settled.
This
has been called the most remarkable building in Idaho.
The building was designed by Father Anthony Ravalli who, in Italy, had studied
theology, philosophy, mathematics, medicine, and art. He carved the altar
and painted it to achieve the effect of marble. He even hand-carved the two
white statues on either side of the altar. The chandelier, made from old tin
cans, is one of his ideas.
Building the church was not easy. The stone had to be brought in from the
mountains, half a mile away. The Native Americans dragged in timbers and rafters
and put them into place by hand. The walls, which can still be seen in their
raw state today, were plastered with mud and clay. This has been called the
most remarkable building in Idaho. It has foot-thick walls that
were built without the use of nails, designed in the tradition of Italian
cathedrals. Wooden pegs were used throughout the building to secure all structural
beams together and even today some can be seen in the floor near the altar.
These days, youll be taken back in time when one of the park guides
dons the outfit of a Jesuit priest and walks you through the fascinating building.
If you visit the second Sunday in July, youll see the Historic Skills
Fair where men, women and children, dressed in historic costume, demonstrate
pioneer crafts and play old-time fiddler music.
The church is nestled between the Coeur dAlene Mountains and the Bitterroot
Range, in an area known as the Silver Valley. This area produced 1,286 billion
ounces of silver between 1884 and 2006 and is still producing it today. Over
five million ounces were produced last year alone.
The treasure in this area can also be found in the outdoor activities that
abound here. The scenery is simply breathtaking, with its towering mountains,
unspoiled alpine lakes, and mile upon mile of peaceful hiking and biking trails.
Whether youre planning a wedding just visiting Idaho, dont miss the Mission of the Sacred Heart.
Idaho Parks: www.idahoparks.org/parks.
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The Old Mission
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