The Temple of Tolerance

I don't know how I found it on the internet, but the Temple of Tolerance seemed like a fascinating place to visit.  Wapakoneta, Ohio is only an hour and a half drive from my home.  So, on a blistering hot Saturday we set off to see this backyard wonder that was created by Jim Bowsher.

The GPS announced that we had arrived at our destination in the middle of the block in a residential area.  It was easy to see the place where we had intended to go.  The front yard was only the beginning of our adventure. 

We made our way down the driveway into the back yard. Once there, Jim Bowsher came out and encouraged us to look around and enjoy ourselves.  

I suggested to my nephew and his brother to explore on their own while I looked around.  The place was packed with objects to look at and I wanted to take in as much as I could. 

Once I made it through the maze like path I saw the temple.  The picture doesn't really do it justice nor can you get the sense of how enormous it really is. I climbed the steps to the top. 

There to greet us was two faces that I was understanding were Irish. On top of this was a lamb that I didn't notice until I was looking at the temple from below. 

This is a view of an alter inspired fire pit with other rock collections all around the yard.  

I tried to tune into the vibes of this place as I wandered in awe around the rock sanctuary.  I sat down for a few minutes and breathed in the scent of the spirituality that filled this sacred place. Peace surround me. Jim's soul went into this masterpiece and it can be felt strongly. 

Several family's visited at the same time that we did but they did a quick walk through and was gone. But this isn't how art is to be viewed.  

It is to be savored like a fine wine. Swished around in the senses till the palate is please with the taste of it. Most people look at art but not see it. 

If you are near Wapakoneta, Ohio it is worth your while to stop in to see The Temple of Tolerance.  Even if you are not near it is worth an effort to travel to.