The Lesson of Thorncrown and Christ of the Ozarks

There are two religious monuments in Eureka Springs: Thorncrown and Christ of the Ozarks. One is revered by the locals and one is laughed at.

Thorncrown Chapel perched on a bluff overlooking the twisting Ozark roads leading to Eureka Springs. It was created by Jim Reed so weary travelers would have sanctuary for but a brief moment and be able to enjoy the beauty of the Ozark hills. The structure was made of reverence and love, those who wanted could come to experience it.

It is a magnificent structure; strikingly complex and simple at the same time. Considered one of the most architecturally significant structures of the century and commissioned by one of Frank Lloyd Wright's students, E. Fay Jones. It was meant to blend with nature, it brings the outside in. In fact, the roughly finished cris-crossing 2x4's play tricks on the eyes, making it difficult to tell out from in.

Christ of the Ozarks, on the other hand accosts the tree line from miles away; gaudy from a distance, it worsens with proximity. Its roughness seems to be the result of lack of care than frugality. Up close, the cement work is shoddy, and the lack of design consideration is apparent. The Sculptor, Emmet Sullivan was one of the artisans that helped create Mount Rushmore, also rumored to be an anti-semite. This was no help in an Arkansas town which seemed considerably progressive, especially for it's stereotypical Arkansonian roots.

As I left Eureka, I pondered the lesson that Thorncrown and Christ of the Ozarks could teach me. One a product of care that blends with the environment around it, waiting to be discovered. The other flamboyantly and hastily pushing itself into your field of view. One created by a man with love for his fellow man, the other created by a man rumored to have malice in his heart.

There is a lesson in there somewhere. Probably multiple lessons. Although, I am not sure what I will gain yet to benefit myself and others. The message is still on my plate for later digestion- but it's not a religious one, for those of you who were hoping. Not all questions need be answered right away.