Can you say B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L

I love Churches, 

big or small, 

in the country or

 right downtown,

 but my favorite are the small simple country church's (with a steeple)

 and the large cathedral type (usually Catholic). 

This weekend Rick and I ended up visiting a beautifully amazing historic chapel

 in Downtown LaCrosse Wisconsin.

 It's one of my favorite things to do, 

venture in and learn what I can about it's history,

 all the while gawking at the  beautiful architecture, 

in awe of detail and hugeness of it all.

We had a personal tour from one of the Sisters , 

It was fun having the one on one time, 

asking questions as we traveled through the church building.

 Mary of the angels chapel is well worth a visit, click on the link to read all about it.

It's full of history, beautiful architecture and excellent workmanship.

Looking back at the rear of the chapel, note the pipe organ in the balcony.

Arches and stained glass windows everywhere

Sorry about the poor picture quality, I only had my "point & shoot"

91 feet above us

You just have to see it for ourself...

more than 100 windows of Bavarian stained glass

Did I mention the hand painted walls,

and the hand carved pews

We were able to also visit the Perpetual Adoration Chapel, (not far from the main chapel).

 Since 1878, at least two Franciscan sisters have maintained a 24 hour prayer vigil for the church. 

The silence was deafening, we sat behind the 2 sisters that were praying, 

they didnt seem to know we had entered the room.... no photos's allowed here.

 and last but not least....

the golden harp.... Sister M played a little for us, it was glorious  :)