WLM Spring / Early Summer 2016 | Page 58

WLM | adventure The H.R. Wilderness Camp was born through the donation of land by Mr. Harry Raymond to the Episcopal Church. I mentioned that our Wyoming Job’s Daughters have enjoyed it throughout the years, and I hope that any former Jobies who read this article will smile as they remember the memories that were made. Many other groups have enjoyed the picturesque facility on Mary Coper Creek since 1946. Since the 1970s, the church’s website shares that an annual, old-fashioned Christmas Eve service has been a timehonored tradition. In 2005, the congregation become The Esterbrook Community Church, an independent and nondenominational community church. The shift came with the blessing of Bishop Bruce Caldwell, and the church rents the building from the Diocese. The church holds Buckboard Sunday annually, a day where churchgoers dress in oldfashioned attire and ride wagons and horses into town to attend service. In 2016, the 11th annual service will be held on Father’s Day Sunday. While the church has chosen to not accept additional 2016 and 2017 weddings at this time, they share that their Sunday church services from Easter Sunday through October begin at 11:00 AM. “Come early (10:30 AM) to enjoy coffee, treats and good fellowship!” the church’s website adds. Be sure to pack your camera for spectacular views, sign the guest book and consider leaving a small donation to help fuel the efforts of this community-born place of worship. Historical gems are abundant in Wyoming, and the Esterbrook church is a gem. Being able to approach and interact with a structure that was the product of many hands, built for the purpose of enriching the lives of its community members both in the 1940s, for decades since and to come, is a powerful and tactile experience. Be sure to put this Converse County landmark on your bucket list when planning your adventure in Wyoming. WL M www.bosv.com Afton – Thayne – Alpine 307.885.0000 56 Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine | Spring 2016