Sign at Church that Reads - No Trespassing Violators Will Be Prosecuted

When you see a Church do you fear trespassing on their property? I sure never did, but I sure do now! Yesterday as my family and I enjoyed the day in Cascade, Colorado, I stumbled upon what appeared to be an overgrown stone pathway that led up the hill. I was depressed at the time, and
 had seperated from my family to be alone for a moment to collect myself, so I followed the path up the hill. At the top of the hill was a beautiful stone building with Holy Rosary Chapel engraved in the wood across the top of the wooden doors. My next thought was I found a Church, and the irony in it since I was so depressed. The site of the Church, even though not my denomanation, was a breath of fresh air, and gave me strength just seeing it.

I knew my family would be looking for me as I had just gotten up while they were shopping and walked off. So I quickly made my way back down the stone path, and gathered up my family. I told everyone that I had found this cool path, and they had to come with me and see what was at the top.

My family was as awe struck as I was, and we looked around for a few minutes taking in all the beauty around us, after all, we were on top of a big hill which is at the top of a mountain below Pikes Peak, the views were spectacular, and I wanted photos. So while the kids were enjoying the grassy area, I walked up on the porch of the Church. The ground was made from an odd stone material I've not seen, so I got photos of it, then headed around to the back of the Church.

At the back of the Church was even more beauty, and trails that went through the trees and a small meadow. Then I noticed the sign, to the right of the path I took around the Church was a sign that read, "No Trespassing Violators Will Be Prosecuted"! Woah! Now that put on the brakes, and sent my head spinning. How can you be trespassing on a Church's property? I thought everyone was welcome in any Church, at any time. What has happened to us that we now have to put up a sign at Church that reads, No Trespassing Violators Will Be Prosecuted?

 
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Wow...that is very sad. The building sure is beautiful though. Sounds like you had a lovely walk except for seeing that!

Posted on 08/08/2008 at 9:08:24 PM

Thanks for all the comments everyone. I thought about vanalism, but this Church is in a very nice area, and if you weren't being nosey, (as I was, LOL), you would never even see the church. It is hidden at the top of a mountain! It deeply sadened me, and I Pray I never see that again. Denomination? Catholic!

Posted on 08/01/2008 at 11:08:24 AM

I don't know how I would have reacted to this, but my guess is with the others in that it probably had something to do with vandalism. I wonder what denomination it was.

Posted on 07/31/2008 at 3:07:57 PM

One of the seminal commandments of the Lord to the Hebrews of the Old Testament was to "Welcome the stranger." Any house of worship, specific faith notwithstanding, that does not adhere to this fundimental requirement, does not deserve to be regarded as a house of worship - In my opinion, of course.

Posted on 07/28/2008 at 12:07:06 PM

How sad is this ...artme

Posted on 07/26/2008 at 3:07:45 PM

Intriguing article. I can't help wondering if that church had issues with vandalism? Maybe they should have explained that better. It'd give me a jolt too.

Posted on 07/25/2008 at 2:07:45 PM

Perhaps the sign was referring to vandalism, and those who would try to break in and destroy the church or property. But I agree with Sheryl, I wish churches could leave their doors open 24/7, but they have probably had criminal activity that could be very costly. What an absoulutely beautiful, quaint setting in which to find a chapel. Enjoyed the article and pictures!

Posted on 07/24/2008 at 10:07:24 PM

Perhaps the hurch has had trouble vandals or people in unseemly acts on the property. Sad but not everyone respects the church.

Posted on 07/24/2008 at 8:07:17 PM

I have never seen a church with a sign like that. That is really messed up. Great article! :)

Posted on 07/24/2008 at 6:07:34 PM

It's a sad day when churches need to be afraid of who is entering their property. There was a time when you didn't even have to lock the church doors.

Posted on 07/24/2008 at 12:07:34 PM

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