Island Park is a Spiritual Experience

Island Park is a Spiritual Experience

In 1941, “Doc” Mac donated the land and initial log structure known as the “Little Church in the Pines”. It was originally an inter-denominational building where LDS, Catholics and various Protestant groups co-existed until 1961 when the LDS Church built the A-frame.

Sheri and I have experienced LDS and Christian communities socially segregated from one another. I am LDS and she is Baptist. We have learned to co-exist by focusing on what we have in common instead of our differences.

Our experience in Island Park has been refreshing. Sheri has been attending the Little Church in the Pines while I attend the LDS services (though not as often as I should). Both congregations have been very welcoming to our family.

We attended last year’s Christmas party in the LDS A-Frame. Sheri was pleasantly surprised that her congregation was also invited to participate. Having everyone in the same room to celebrate Christ’s birth must have put a smile on “Doc” Mack’s face.

Easter Sunday was Sheri’s birthday. As a gift to her, I attended the Easter service at the “Pines”. The program was uplifting and the members were gracious and welcoming. I appreciated an offer to sing with their choir but my singing would prematurely empty their building.

Regardless of religious choice, Island Park residents display a mutual respect and a willingness to work together. I am sure that the harsh conditions and the small population have contributed to this attitude. I think that the mountains have attracted a special breed that exhibits these wonderful traits.