Saint Jude Chapel, Montauk, Missouri

 

I can still remember the first time I drove past St. Jude Chapel near Montauk State Park. 

 The rustic log structure was simple, yet elegant with hand hewn logs and a quality of workmanship no longer found.  When driving past St. Jude, the uniqueness of the structure and its balance with nature stand out.   Many motorist stop and take photos.  Some return because they just have to see the inside.  

I was one of the second group--who just had to see the inside, although my return would be more than 30 years later.   You see later in life, I converted to Catholicism.  One of my first requests was to go back and see the inside of this beautiful chapel.  

It did not disappoint!  The logs and rustic design stand testament to the area's logging industry.  Each log was specially chosen for its place in the structure that would honor God for many years to come.  Nature, architecture, history and spirituality combine into one and make the little log chapel God's house.  The pavers, the rustic fixtures, the carved benches.  During mass, it is like the animals want to join in as the view behind the priest to the rear of the chapel will sport an abundance of wildlife--deer, turkeys, birds, squirrels and many of God's creatures among somewhat towering pine trees. 

Prior to the log chapel being built near Montauk, area Catholics met in houses, then later in a Quonset structure in the nearby community of Joy.  Walter Weber had relocated to the area and had prayed that his business would be successful. He promised God that he would build a chapel if he were successful enough to do so.  In 1968, on land owned by the Walter Weber family, the log chapel was constructed.   

The chapel was dedicated to Saint Jude, Patron Saint of Lost Causes.  It serves as a mission church to nearby Montauk State Park and has services 'in season' (start date may vary) on Saturdays at 3:30 pm.  

The chapel is located about 18 miles south of Salem, MO before entering Montauk State Park on Highway 119.   For information regarding St. Jude, mass time or viewing, please contact Sacred Heart Parish in Salem at 573-729-4291. 

Sacred Heart/St. Jude website is currently (as of January 2024) hosting a campaign to keep the doors open at St. Jude.  The roof is in need of replacement, and they are trying to raise $50,000 for the necessary repairs.  Please contact Sacred Heart Parish if you are interested in donating or otherwise helping.   

In thinking back to the time I first drove past this gem, I guess I never really believed that I would ever see the inside.  Since I wasn't Catholic at the time, I could not envision a reason why I might need to enter the building.  Life has a funny way of opening doors--let's all say a little prayer that St. Jude's doors remain open.  

Thank you, Lord.  I know when I say little things like "I sure wish I could see the inside of that chapel"--that you are listening.  Asked and answered--and blessed too!  It may not have been as simple for me as walking in the front doors of that chapel, but the wait as well as the journey were worth it! 

Vicki