Western Hearths: Food for Circuit Preachers

Think of a circuit preacher in the Old West, and you might imagine a lone rider on a dusty trail with a Bible tucked into his saddlebag. This man of the cloth travels from settlement to settlement with little more than faith and grit to carry him through. And honestly, the western stereotype isn’t far from the truth.

Circuit preachers—also called circuit riders—acted as a lifeline for farflung westerners during the 1800s. They covered hundreds of miles on horseback, most often alone, to preach in sod homes, barns, schoolhouses, and wherever else their flock might gather. If that was outdoors beneath the open sky, then so be it. They navigated rough roads on a demanding schedule, all while relying on scant supplies—including food.

A circuit preacher ate what he could carry, food others offered or bartered, supplies he bartered, and whatever he could hunt or gather along the way.

Simple Food for a Purposeful Life

Many frontier families saw feeding a circuit preacher as both a duty and a blessing. A simple meal shared at a rough-hewn table might lead into a time of prayer, Scripture, and heartfelt conversation.

And when no table was available? The preacher ate what he carried. This meant portable, durable foods that kept well and didn’t require a lot of equipment to prepare—plain fare chosen for strength first and pleasure last.

Common foods in a circuit preacher’s saddlebag included:

• Oatmeal or cracked grain.
• Dried apples or other dried fruit.
• Hard biscuits or bread.
• Salt pork or bacon (when available).
• Coffee or tea.
• Occasional eggs, milk, or fresh bread offered by hospitable families.

A Breakfast Fit for the Trail

Horseback travelors in the Wild West relied on oatmeal--a lightweight, filling, and inexpensive option. They combined it with dried fruit for a comforting meal cooked over a small fire. If prepared the night before, oatmeal could be warmed before sunrise for an early start.

Accounts of trail meals and period cooking methods inspired the recipe below. It’s simplicity echoes the breakfast of a circuit preacher preparing for another long day on the road.

Trail Oatmeal with Dried Apples

A sustaining breakfast for cold mornings and early starts.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats (Steel-cut oats are more period-accurate but take longer. If using them, add approximately15 minutes to the cooking time,)
• 2 cups water (or milk, if available)
• ½ cup dried apples, chopped
• 1 tablespoon molasses or honey (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• Optional additions: cinnamon, nutmeg, or a small knob of butter

Instructions

• Bring the water to a gentle boil in a pot or skillet.
• Add the oats and salt, stirring to prevent sticking.
• Reduce heat and simmer for about 10–15 minutes, until thick.
• Stir in the dried apples and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, allowing them to soften.
• Sweeten lightly with molasses or honey if you have it.
• Serve warm, with butter if available.

Why This Meal Mattered

"The Circuit Preacher" by Alfred Waud;
Harper's weekly, v. 11, 1867 Oct. 12, p. 641
public domain image
courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

This isn’t fancy food. It’s not meant to impress. But it tells an important story.

Such humble fare fueled men dedicated to helping others—often without recognition. A circuit preacher might ride all day in harsh weather, preach by lamplight in the evening, and sleep under the stars. The next morning, he rose early, ate something warm if possible, and set out again.

Quiet endurance like this is a quality we admire in our favorite western historical romance characters—the steady men whose strength shows not in grand gestures, but in faithfulness to calling, community, and love. I celebrated Wild West circuit preachers by creating Shane Hayes, the hero of Hills of Nevermore (Montana Gold book 1). Shane’s story honors the men who with vulnerability, passion, and zeal brought comfort and salvation to the Wild West.

Bringing It to Your Own Hearth

As you make this humble bowl of oatmeal, imagine eating it crouched beside a fading campfire with dawn lightening the sky. Remember that nourishment isn’t always about abundance—or even food. Sometimes it’s abou t fulfilling a purpose greater than yourself.

In the months ahead, the Western Hearths blog series will continue exploring the meals that sustained settlers, cowboys, minors, and families of the Old West.

For now, this simple breakfast feels like the perfect place to begin.

About Janalyn Voigt 

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels in proportions dictated by their genre. Janalyn Voigt is represented by Wordserve Literary.

Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books, subscribe to her e-letter, and join her reader clubs at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Discover Montana Gold 

Based on actual historical events during a time of unrest in America, the Montana Gold series explores faith, love, and courage in the wild west. 

Heroes of the Wild West: Circuit Preachers

When you picture the Wild West, images of cowboys, saloons, and gunfights might spring to mind. Yet, another force shaped life on the frontier — the itinerant ministers determined to spread Christianity in an untamed land. These heroes of the Wild West brought spiritual guidance and a sense of community to settlers, even in areas lacking basic human needs — like shelter, food, and water. Circuit preachers earned their place of honor in Western history—and they did it the hard way.

Hundreds of Miles by Horseback

A circuit preacher traveled on horseback, sometimes for hundreds of miles across rugged terrain, to cover an assigned “circuit.” He moved from one settlement or homestead to another to offer religious services, sermons, and other pastoral care to settlers with little access to clergy. He often preached in unusual locations, including makeshift buildings, barns, or even open fields. 

The preacher returned to each settlement on a regular schedule that provided a sense of stability to settlers. Amid the violence, sickness, and loneliness they endured, they could look forward to his faithful arrival.

Author’s Note: While researching Hills of Nevermore, the first book in the Montana Gold series, one circuit preacher in particular stood out. I was charmed to read how Brother Van persuaded a saloon owner to close the bar and hold church for an hour one Sunday afternoon. He reportedly had the miners singing hymns. I decided as a tribute to base the character of Shane Hayes, the hero of Hills of Nevermore, on Brother Van. One of the liveliest scenes in the book is when Shane attempts to hold church in a saloon. 

The Incomparable Brother Van

William Wesley Van Orsdel, a Methodist minister, stands out as one of the most notable circuit preachers of the American West. Van Orsdel traveled west as a circuit preacher in the 1850s. Brother Van, as the settlers affectionately dubbed him, rode from one tiny, isolated community to another, preaching the gospel in homes, schoolhouses, and even the open air. His circuit took him enormous distances, through remote areas of what is now Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska. Needless to say, this tested his physical stamina, emotional endurance, and spiritual resilience.

Brother Van often faced perilous weather, health struggles, and the constant threat of danger on the frontier. Despite these challenges, his determination never wavered. He was beloved for his deep compassion, infectious optimism, and tireless work ethic. Brother Van’s ability to adapt his sermons to the needs of his audience made him an extraordinary preacher able to connect with people from all walks of life. The gift of speaking directly to the hearts of his listeners made him much beloved. In a world where the West was often defined by its tough, gritty nature, Brother Van’s compassion and faith brought hope to many.

The Importance of Circuit Preachers in the West

Circuit preachers like Brother Van were often the only ones who could offer a semblance of stability to the frontier’s isolated communities. The West was full of people seeking new beginnings — pioneers who had left behind their homes in search of opportunity. Many settlers found themselves far from civilization, with few, if any, resources to draw upon in times of crisis.

The church, therefore, became a critical institution in these frontier towns, offering not only spiritual guidance but also practical assistance. Circuit preachers were often involved in social work, helping to establish schools, orphanages, and hospitals in the harshest of conditions. They served as counselors to the weary, peacemakers in times of conflict, and sometimes even as the only voice of reason in the midst of the violent struggles that defined life in the Wild West.

The presence of these ministers in the West also had a significant impact on the establishment of communities. It’s no coincidence that towns often formed around churches, which became hubs for settlers to gather, share news, and provide support to one another. These gatherings were not only for worship but also for socializing and the building of relationships. In this sense, circuit preachers were pivotal in the formation of the social fabric of the Wild West.

The Challenges of the Circuit Preacher

The Circuit Preacher by Alfred Waud.

Circuit preachers lived hard lives. The demands of traveling hundreds of miles on horseback in often inclement weather and through dangerous terrain were daunting. Preachers faced physical exhaustion, health issues, and the constant threat of isolation. They relied on the hospitality of settlers to offer them food, shelter, and sometimes safety.

In many cases, they were forced to live off the land, surviving on minimal resources. It is a testament to their dedication that these preachers continued to serve—sometimes for years. Many never married and died young. Nearly half of the 737 circuit preachers the Methodist Church sent out prior to 1847 died before age thirty,

The Legacy of the Circuit Preacher

Circuit preachers of the Wild West brought hope and help to settlers of an unforgiving land. They built communities, brought solace in times of hardship, and provided constancy to offset the uncertainties of frontier life. Preachers like Brother Van left an indelible mark on history, reminding us that even in the wildest places, faith can shine its light.

These humble servants are unsung heroes of the West. Many of their names are lost to time but their influence remains an indelible part of American history.

About the Author

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels. Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books, and subscribe for updates at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Fall in Love with the Wild West

The Montana Gold western historical romance series follows the lives and loves of a family of Irish immigrants surviving in the Wild West. Read these stories to reaffirm your faith in the power of God's love. Learn More> 

Heroines of the Wild West: Preacher's Daughters

Ever wonder what it was like to be a preacher’s daughter in the Wild West? Picture wide-open spaces, dusty towns, and a whole lot of folks trying to strike it rich—not to mention survive. Against this backdrop, the community relied on the local preacher and his family for stability.

In many booming frontier towns, the preacher wasn’t just a guy in a black suit reading from a dusty old book. He was often the moral compass for everyone around, a duty in which his family was expected to oblige him. Preacher's daughters must embody all good Christian values: compassion, kindness, and integrity.

No pressure there, right? Keep reading.

Everday Life

From organizing Sunday school to planning potluck dinners, a preacher’s daughter kept busy. At church activities, she helped her hurried parents ensure that everyone felt welcomed and included.

She attended community events, like picnics, dances, and charity drives. These gatherings gave her a chance to mingle, forge friendships, and maybe even catch the eye of a potential suitor. Her active social life came with the expectation that she would maintain a spotless reputation.

A preacher's daughter was well-educated, thanks to her families’ emphasis on learning. Besides reading the Bible, she consumed literature to expand her knowledge. This practice might lead her to become an informal teacher in her community, helping others learn to read and write. Some preacher’s daughters opened schools in Wild West towns.

Author's Note: While researching Hills of Nevermore, the first book in the Montana Gold western historical romance series, I learned of Clara L. Streeter, daughter of a Methodist minister who in 1863 taught school in Bannack, Montana. Clara’s diary provides valuable insights that informed my understanding of Bannack, where much of the action in the story takes place. Clara deserves a lot of respect. She braved the rigors of a wild and wooly boom town to teach the children of miners and settlers in a small, makeshift schoolhouse.

Living Under Observation

A preacher's daughter existed under the careful watch of her community. Imagine living with the constant pressure to be perfect with every little thing she did under scrutiny. If she slipped up—say, by dancing a little too close at a barn dance—it could reflect poorly on her entire family.

If a preacher’s daughter developed dreams and desires that clashed with the expectations of her position, pursuing them would be next to impossible. I highlighted this reality in the story of preacher's daughter Liberty Hayes, heroine of The Promise Tree (Montana Gold, book 5). Liberty has a long-standing friendship and a secret promise with her neighbor, Jake, who often finds himself misunderstood. Liberty has to decide whether to honor her preacher father or follow her heart's desire.

The very nature of a preacher's daughter's role led to feelings of isolation. Although surrounded by people, she didn’t know many who understood the weight of her responsibilities.

Leading through Influence

Despite these challenges, a preacher’s daughter wielded a unique kind of influence within the community. Others might bring her their troubles, seeking her advice on problems beyond her experience. She would do her best to connect them with her father’s teachings from the Bible. 

Because of her compassion, gentle manners, and prominent position, it wasn’t uncommon for the townsfolk to romanticize the preacher’s daughter into a cultural icon.

Leaving A Legacy

Although privileged, preacher’s daughters in the Wild West did not have it easy. Finding their own life paths while under the lens of other’s expectations demanded strength and perseverance. Becoming community leaders, teachers, and advocates, these young women contributed to the culture of the Wild West in ways that remain the stuff of legends. Their stories speak of the courage to live authentically, even when society had a lot to say about how they should act. Next time you dive into a Wild West story, keep an eye out for the preacher’s daughter. She’s not just the good girl; she’s a powerhouse in her own right, navigating the complexities of frontier life with grace and grit.

Do you think that preacher's daughters today encounter the same challenges as those in the Wild West? 

About Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels in proportions dictated by their genre. 

Learn more.

Fall in Love with Montana Gold

Discover faith, courage, and romance in the six Wild West adventures. Go here. 

Wild West Circuit Preachers: A Funny Place to Hold Church

Photograph of the Circuit Rider, a sculpture by A. Phimister Proctor; public domain image

Wild West circuit preachers rode many miles alone through the wilderness to bring light and solace to their “charges.” This was no small undertaking, as a preacher's circuit could traverse between 200 and 500 miles, taking up to six months to complete. It wasn’t uncommon for a saddlebag preacher (as they were also called) to travel thousands of miles per year. Such a rough lifestyle didn’t leave much room for marriage. Most remained single.

Circuit preachers were often zealous for the Word of God. Neither attacks from Indians, wild animals, and outlaws nor bad roads, storms, or sicknesses could dent their dedication. These unsung knights laid down their lives to bring the gospel to towns swarming with saloons and dance halls with nary a church in sight. Here’s how Francis Asbury, an itinerant Methodist bishop who logged an estimated 300,000 miles in 45 years of service, put it: "We must reach every section of America, especially the raw frontiers. We must not be afraid of men, devils, wild animals, or disease. Our motto must always be FORWARD!"

Illustration from The Circuit Rider:
A Tale of the Heroic Age by Edward Eggleston
depicting a Methodist circuit rider on horseback.

In exchange for the privations they endured, circuit preachers received scant wages. They sometimes accepted payment in crops—from their impoverished congregations. This created hardships, particularly for those with families, and contributed to a heartbreaking statistic. The Methodist church reports that, of the 737 circuit preachers it sent out prior to 1847, nearly half died before reaching age 30.

William Wesley Van Orsdel stood out among circuit preachers. His straight-forward honesty and zeal charmed the rough-and-ready denizens of Montana’s Fort Benton. Soon after his around 1874 arrival, they affectionately dubbed him Brother Van. Saloons, mining camps, and even Indian villages welcomed him. Local lore grew up around him, much of it true.

Reverend William Wesley Van Orsdel;

public domain image

Fort Benton historian Ken Robinson, describes an incident in which a lone gunman held up Brother Van and a group of tourists in Yellowstone.

Brother Van turned out his pockets. “You wouldn’t rob a poor Methodist preacher, would you?”

After asking him to confirm that he was, indeed, a Methodist preacher, the outlaw told him to lower his hands. “I am a Methodist preacher myself,” the man stated.

This story illustrates the unfortunate fact that a few circuit preachers did go astray.

According to historian Myron J. Fodge in “Montana: The Magazine of Western History” the townspeople of Radersburg, Montan, once accused Brother Van of horse thievery. He tried to persuade them that this wasn’t the case, but to no avail. Desperate, he climbed onto a wagon, using it as a makeshift platform. He launched into singing, giving renditions of hymn after hymn. The townsfolk gave up and let him leave in peace.

Afterwards, Brother Van loved to boast that he had once saved a man’s life with his singing. When asked whose life he had saved, he would reply, “Mine!”

Like other circuit preachers, Brother Van gave his sermons wherever he could. In the absence of a church, a field, barn, or home would do. The only buildings in town large enough for a worship service might normally be used for quite different purposes—as a saloon or dance hall. Brother Van went down in Bannack, Montana history for striding into the saloon on a Sunday morning and calling for the building to be given over for a church service. The owner agreed and shut the bar for an hour. He kept the hymns simple for the miners in attendance. The men did their best to warble along with Brother Van and even made requests.

I modeled Shane Hayes, the hero of Hills of Nevermore (Montana Gold, book 1) after Brother Van and wrote a similar scene as a tribute. You can find out more about the books in the Montana Gold series at the end of this post.

Meanwhile, what do you think of Brother Van’s way of spreading the gospel?

What's New with Janalyn Voigt

Life is a whirlwind since The Whispering Wind (Montana Gold, book 6) launched on April 5th. That's only ten days ago, so I suppose this is normal. Bringing a brand new book into the world is not unlike giving birth to a child--laborious, but then you forget what you went through. Of course, it's all worth it to bring readers into the stories in my head. Each person creates a unique story while reading, and I'll never tire of that miracle.

We're busy putting in a garden here. The seedlings sprout as the cold of early spring melts into warmth. It's a reminder that, despite all the shadows in our world these days, that the God who loves us will not neglect to bring us new life. 

For more encouragement, read "Finding Serenity in a Crazy World" at Janalyn Voigt's website.

The Montana Gold series follows the lives and loves of a family of Irish immigrants surviving during a troubled time in America. Based on actual historical events, the books explore faith, love, and courage in the Wild West. Learn more>>

 

Churches in the Old West—and a giveaway

From the Florida home where I grew up, if you drive just one block south, you’ll reach a Baptist church. Three blocks west is an Assembly of God church. Half a mile north is a Pentecostal church, and one mile east is a Christian (Disciples of Christ) church. There are places of worship on nearly every corner in my town, with plenty of denominations represented. By and large, most of those who lead these churches have probably been through some formal training for their positions, whether a church-ordained training program, a 4-year Bible college, or a full-fledged theological seminary. And in many cases, the churches in my area don’t have just one pastor, but two, five, or twenty, depending on the size.

Desolate old church on a foggy morning.

© Roy Simon

| Dreamstime.com

In the Old West, such saturation of churches and preachers was hardly the case. In the days of the various western gold rushes, many men flooded into the western territories with a lust for riches. Some tent churches cropped up in the various mining communities, but by my research, the preachers in those areas had difficulty drawing men from their claims long enough to attend a Sunday service once a month.

After the Civil War ended, disillusioned soldiers from both sides, many who’d lost everything, also went west. Those early days after the war, when the population was mostly men (with some “women of ill repute” thrown in), were fraught with wildness and a lack of civility. Villages and towns cropped up, but they were largely populated by people whose focus was on carving out a life--mere survival. The niceties of polite society—like Sunday church services—often became distant memories rather than regular occurrences. 

However, as time went on, women began to join the western culture. With them came the more refined aspects of society—schools and churches. While a few western towns had a church with a regular preacher (probably the larger ones), many had no such luxuries. In towns where a church hadn’t become a regular fixture, they might be fortunate to have a circuit-riding preacher visit two to four times a year and hold a prayer meeting. The occasional visit of the preacher was a planned event, with word circulating through the town and outlying areas. Folks would plan weddings and baptisms to coincide with the itinerant preacher’s arrival, and his coming often meant a large community event with a potluck meal and much celebration. Because those communities didn’t have a dedicated church building, they might meet in a schoolhouse or in an open meadow or empty town lot. Sometimes the meetings were held at someone’s home. Or, at times, the service would be held in a…saloon. Yes, a saloon, because it was one of the larger buildings in town with the ability to host a large number of people at once—and it typically wouldn’t be in use on a Sunday morning.

The preachers in the West were an interesting lot. They came from many

Peter Cartwright

denominations—but the largest sponsoring body was, by far, the Methodist church. They saw the need of the Gospel early on and sent preachers into the western territories in droves. By and large, these ministers of truth fell between the ages of 18 and 30. Often, they were poor, and most were unmarried. Unlike today, many had no formal training. They simply preached what they knew. I’ve heard it said that the circuit-riding preachers had a single sermon they delivered at every stop, no matter how many times they’d visited the area. Of course, these factoids didn't represent all western preachers. Some worked into their old age, despite the hardships of life on the circuit. Peter Cartwright is one such preacher. I invite you to watch a short video on his fascinating life here.

Interestingly, while these men of God preached a message of peace, many lived by (or with?) the sword—er, gun. Many western preachers came with a Bible in one hand and a pistol in the other. Some would remove their gun belts during services. Others would leave their weapons on their hips in case of danger. And lest we think that all western preachers were angels, they weren’t. I’ve read stories of plenty of “preachers” who used their position to bilk parishioners of money, who worked as bounty hunters or hired guns in addition to their preaching, or one who even murdered his wife in order to be with his secret love. Yet most were honest and god-fearing men who truly did feel called to preach God’s word to the lost in the Western Territories, no matter how humble or broken their own beginnings were.

It’s your turn: The hero of Taming Petra, one of four novellas from the Cameo Courtships collection, is a western preacher. For a chance to win a copy of this wonderful collection plus a fun cameo necklace, please leave a comment (including your email address) telling me what, if any, of the details about western churches or preachers surprises you and why.

Jennifer Uhlarikdiscovered the western genre as a pre-teen when she swiped the only “horse” book she found on her older brother’s bookshelf. A new love was born. Across the next ten years, she devoured Louis L’Amour westerns and fell in love with the genre. In college at the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. Armed with a B.A. in writing, she has finaled and won in numerous writing competitions, and been on the ECPA best-seller list numerous times. In addition to writing, she has held jobs as a private business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, and her favorite—a full-time homemaker. Jennifer is active in American Christian Fiction Writers, Women Writing the West, and is a lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband, college-aged son, and four fur children.

NOW AVAILABLE

Cameo Courtships

A Family Heirloom Inspires Romance
In 1851, a special cameo is gifted by Queen Victoria to Letitia Newton, who though considered an old maid, meets the perfect gentleman minutes after donning. Told by the Queen the cameo is to be shared, Letitia gifts the "Victoria Cameo" to a woman in her family, hoping adventure and romance will follow each of its subsequent wearers.

Chapel Cars

Hi!  Winnie Griggs here.

As I was researching circuit preachers for a minor story thread in one of my books I came across an interesting little rabbit trail I couldn't resist pursuing.  The tidbit referenced a very unique tool utilized by clergy and other missionary-minded folk who were attempting to do their own brand of ‘taming the west’ - namely Chapel Cars.

These utilitarian traveling churches were constructed inside modified railroad cars.  They rode the rails from town to town, parking on sidings for as long as they were needed, then moving on to the next stop.  Space was set aside for very modest living quarters for the missionary and perhaps his wife.  The rest of the space was utilized for church services.

They were furnished with pews, a lectern, an altar table and in some cases an organ.  Depending on size and construction, they could accommodate 70+ people.  The Chapel Car served as a home, church, Sunday School, social hall, library and meeting place.  They carried bibles and tracts to be distributed all along the lines.  The missionary and his wife, in addition to their usual ministerial duties, were expected to function as singer, musician, janitor and cook.  They helped organize permanent churches, including raising the necessary funds and helping to construct the buildings.

The idea of the chapel card was not original to the U.S - they had existed in Europe for some time.  The first Chapel Car in the America was commissioned by Reverend William Walker, the Missionary Bishop of North Dakota.  The task of ministering to the people in such a vast and sparsely populated territory was a daunting one.  That, and the fact that many towns didn’t have the funds, or any certainty of permanence, to invest in a building, and it seemed a better solution had to be found.  Having knowledge of the chapel cars used in England, Bishop Walker decided that would be a workable solution to his challenge.

These Chapel Cars traveled throughout the West and Midwest.  They visited mining towns and logging camps, tent cities and fledgling towns, bringing their gospel message and the reminder of civilization to people who had seen neither for a long time - if ever. 

And their appearance was surprisingly well received in these wild and lawless places more often than not - especially by the ladies of the area.  The arrival of a Chapel Cars signaled not just the chance to attend Sunday services, but the arrival of someone to perform weddings, funerals, baptisms.  It also provided a welcome excuse for social gatherings.  In addition, many a rough and tough cowboy who would have balked at attending a traditional church, seemed to feel differently about these side rail services.  In fact, the very novelty of the Chapel Car brought folks from miles around just to have a look.

Of course, they didn’t always receive a warm welcome.  There were instances of Chapel Cars being pelted with eggs and refuse, defaced with graffiti and even set on fire.  But these were rare instances and the cars and their custodians survived to continue their mission.

In actuality, the peace-minded missionaries who rode the rails played a larger part in bringing peace to the lawless west than any gun-toting lawman or vigilante.  They traveled in their mobile churches to remote areas of the country, bringing spiritual direction and a civilizing influence to people who were starved for something to offset the violence and loneliness of their existence. 

Chapel cars remained in use on into the early twentieth century.  With the advent of World War I, however, the railroad tracks had to be kept clear for troop movement.  In addition, new regulations prohibited the railroad companies from giving ‘free rides’ to the Chapel Cars, something that had been common practice up until then.  And as paved roads and automobiles became more common it was easier for people to travel on their own to attend church.  Thus, the Chapel Cars that had brought their spiritual message and civilizing influence to the rough and tumble west faded into history.

So, where is the most memorable place where you have attended a church service and what was it about it that made it memorable?