Retired Christian Reformed Church pastor Bert Den Herder, Luverne, is one volunteer who helps maintain the Wayside Chapel.By Lori EhdeOne of only two in the country, the Blue Mound Wayside Chapel is an unconventional form of evangelism, but it’s reached thousands of travelers since it was built 40 years ago.Luverne’s Christian Reformed Church, which built and maintains the miniature church in the country, is celebrating the chapel’s 40th anniversary this weekend.The public is invited to join them at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at the little church, located north of Luverne on Highway 75.CRC pastor George Koopmans will lead the event, and Lorraine Van Nieuwenhuizen will accompany a Psalter Hymnal sing-a-along on her accordion.Visitors write…Retired CRC pastor Bert Den Herder will share an evangelism meditation from Isaiah 54 about "spreading the tent" and he’ll share comments from Wayside Chapel worshippers who have stopped through the years."Thank you very much," wrote one traveler on May 29, 2002. "This is a beautiful spot to reflect and remember the amazing blessing that comes from having God in our lives."One couple from Hanley Falls was married at the Wayside Chapel in 1977. "We have stopped here several times since our wedding day and always enjoy the quiet peace and serenity it has to offer," they wrote on April 23, 2000. "It is so special to see it kept in such great shape."There are countless entries like these in the guest registers. Another woman writes, "Thank you for this church — this quiet holy place to be alone with ones thoughts and to feel God’s presence."For about $1,000 per year, chapel reaches nearly 1,000 per yearDen Herder said the CRC congregation has maintained the little chapel, to the tune of roughly $1,000 a year, considering building maintenance and stocking bibles, devotionals and children’s literature."We’re concerned about reaching the traveling public," Den Herder said, when asked why the church does it. "It’s a very unique ministry because there are very few of these chapels around."The other wayside chapel in the country is reportedly located in Washington.There’s no way of knowing how many people the Wayside Chapel reached in 40 years, but a guest book encourages signatures, and judging from the number of those who sign, Den Herder estimates nearly 1,000 travelers stop each year.The books indicate they’ve come from England, Norway, Istanbul, Turkey, Nigeria, West Africa, Denmark, Germany, Scotland, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and many of the United States.Members of the CRC congregation built the church in 1963 for roughly $500 in Kreun Lumber Yard, now Country Lumber near Leota. It is 10 feet wide and 15 feet long, complete with a steeple.It was moved on a flatbed trailer to land that, at that time, was owned by CRC member Ben Vander Kooi Sr. Picnic grounds with benches and tables overlook the scenic Blue Mounds and surrounding farmland.Dedicated June 30, 1963The project started as an idea of CRC pastor John DeVries, who conducted dedication ceremonies on June 30, 1963."For all those in this community who seek a quiet in the midst of storm, who seek relief from burden and anxiety, who seek peace beyond the understanding of mankind, who seek a restful place to pray and worship, we dedicate this chapel," DeVries was quoted as saying during that ceremony."For all those who travel through our community, for those who have forgotten God and for years have not appeared in his house, for those who have never forgotten God, for those on business, for those seeking pleasure and vacation, for those who flee from the past and trouble, for those who are tired and need rest … we dedicate this chapel."About 300 people attended that ceremony, and CRC expects at least that many this weekend. The little chapel seats only six people, so, of course, Sunday’s celebration will be outdoors. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs.
