Document text
Decorated barn holds new flock Every time I drive north on Interstate 5, I wonder what the story is behind that ornate barn just outside Rogue River. Is it someone's home, a church, or what? -- Cathy N., Talent Curious folks like you often stop at the barn-turned-chapel on North River Road about a mile east of Rogue River with the same question. It is home to St. Innocent's Church, which has been ministering to Eastern Orthodox Christians for about two years. The sky-blue building with the golden cupolas is the only one of its kind in Oregon, according to the Rev. Seraphim Cardoza, who began holding services there in May 1998. The building itself was donated by a Russian woman living in Eugene. Local residents built the large dome and donated gravel for the driveway, while businesses provided lumber and landscaping at a reduced cost. When we last wrote about this unorthodox building along the freeway, the inside of the chapel held colorful paintings of saints, wooden icon stands and candles of pure beeswax filled with olive oil. Cardoza told us, "Everything in here is to glorify God." But if you want to see for yourself -- or say a little prayer -- all you have to do is take the Rogue River exit, turn right at the stop sign and go toward town; turn right onto Main Street, which eventually becomes North River Road. Follow it past the mill; the church will be on your left. (Send your questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by fax to (541) 776-4376; or by e-mail to: [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification.) Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA