TABIAN CHURCH, FORGOTTEN AND ABANDONED

 

                                               TAIBAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Taiban Church, Forgotten and Abandoned

by Billy Gilbreath

Entering Taiban says the highway sign

With anticipation to see the historic town

Slowing my speed   to avoid the passing traffic

Entered with caution on the gravel street

There the uneven ruts ended at the steps

And there it remained the famous building

The church from years past and forgotten

Taiban Presbyterian famous only for photographs

Wondering how it could survive years and years

Wind of the plains, dust and even tornadoes

God allowed it to remain and perhaps purpose

Using the metal handrail of steel curved pipe

Allowed my weakened knees and lesser grasp

To enter the now removed entrance door

Perhaps it is now used at a nearby dwelling

There inside as my steps were carefully placed

The planks once filled with pews now missing

 Staring  out the  windows without panes

Seeing the distance where once the town

Empty and falling structures, boarded up

Could I hear Rock of Ages, Amazing Grace

Only with my imagination with closed eyes

Looking forward with visions of preacher

Only the distance through the open window 

The ornate ceiling of wood survived ages

 Fortunately the graffiti could not be reached.

Only the faded wall and crumbling paint

Allowed those to install the many scripts

Some inspiring,  encouraging, some foolish

Pictures, with modern phones, cameras

Will continue to be placed on the cloud

But most of all emblazed on my mind

God’s purpose for the little church 

Though not eternal but a reminder

Earthly things will eventually pass

My plans will remain forever, eternity.

By: Billy Gilbreath

FOR MIL'S, by Billy Gilbreath

Painting by Annalon Gilbreath

29 August/2020