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| - The true "atomic era" architecture of this inimitable church holds myriad stories of mid-century Las Vegas and this city's deep connection to religion. I was once told Las Vegas, NV had more churches per capita than any other city in the United States!
My family made the transition from services at the Mesquite Club clubhouse on St. Louis to the grand opening (circa 1963) of this unique, historic church. This isolated, imposing structure enveloped in colorful, exploding rose gardens and fountains radiated throbbing positive energy from its roots far out in the middle of a dusty,dirty, windy, barren desert of absolutely nowhere..
The vigorous, charismatic, Dr. Barkley Johnson was our minister. The sanctuary seemed to shiver as he approached the lectern with his billowing black robes and piercing green eyes. As young as I was, his "power to preach" teach left indelible truths and inspiration in my being.
Our church, from what I understood, was unprecedented in reaching out to the people on the perimeters of "Sin City" The (still) amazing musicians, vocalists, entertainers were individually introduced as well as the casinos, hotels , showrooms, lounges, various venues where they were appearing The first two pews were especially fascinating to me as they were usually graced with glamorous, glittery showgirls, dancers, performers on the Strip. Some still had their garish Saturday night stage make up on! ALL were welcomed here. Our inviting, loving , nonjudgmental philosophy opened doors possibly closed elsewhere.
I graduated from Las Vegas High School and left to see the world. I attended many religious events in many countries. Yet the priority on my visits home was to get my "fix" from my Church of Religious Science!
After 15 years in Maui I've moved back home. I was adamant to purchase a condo near (now) Center for Spiritual Living Greater Las Vegas. With the tools, treatment techniques, prayer power I learned there, I manifested a pretty, perfect place to live, close to my cherished, ever welcoming church!
Check it out! Sunday am and Wed pm. Sorry for factual faux paus, slights, lack of editing. I was on automatic writing!! Mahalo
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