In Elbe, Washington, there stands what has been referred to as the smallest operating church (Kirche) in the world! It was built in 1906 by German immigrants in Elbe. The structure is a mere 18 feet by 24 feet with a tall steeple and white clapboard siding. The steeple is roughly 44-46 feet tall with a 4 foot iron cross on top. The steeple houses a bell from the railroad-perfect given its location across the tracks from the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railway!
Heinrich Lutkens, a founding father of the town, donated the land and Pastor Karl Kilian, designed it. The pastor that was there Sunday past also said that Pastor Kilian also was pretty much the builder of the church, climbing up for the construction of the steeple without any scaffolding!
The inside was simple and elegant.
The pews made of wood and carved on the ends.
There is an organ which we were told dates back to 1888! 
We could have attended services last Sunday at 2:30, however we didn’t stay as by that point, everyone needed food.
Next stop: Mill Haus Cider Company
The restaurant was a few miles away in the town of Eatonville, Washington. It is a pub type atmosphere with dining under shelters or not, outside. There is an operating mill that produces cider from Washington apples.
The pond had some serious algae in it and some seriously HUGE Koi as well!
Despite that, they seemed pretty happy! I caught quite a few playing amongst the beautiful water lilies.
It was a great place to unwind after the exhilarating train ride!
Only thing is……we are having Olivia withdrawals!
Perhaps this fall, we can zip down for another visit! 😎👍
That’s gonna be it for today. Take care and enjoy the rest of your day wherever you are! 🙏🌏🙏
👣🐑☕️⛪️🚂🌞😎👍😁🤩🌲🌙🥱😴
BSB Lamentations 3:22-27
Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed,
for His mercies never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness!
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in Him.”
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
to the soul who seeks Him.
It is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is still young.
🙏🌹
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