Walking through the doors of St Lorenz Lutheran Church took my breath away. The Frankenmuth, Michigan landmark is a popular stop for self guided tours but we had the place to ourselves last Thursday.

What a stroke of luck this was.

This gorgeous brick building was constructed in 1880 and expanded in 1966. Impressive doesn’t begin to describe the soaring stained glass windows, extensive woodwork, choir loft and pump organ that seems to reach toward the heavens.

The congregation dates to 1845 when the first German immigrants to Frankenmuth first met in a log cabin. The following year, a wave of new immigrants created an increasing need for a larger church.

The air feels different in here and the light is extraordinary. Despite being the only two people here, I couldn’t bring myself to speak above a whisper. It was just so beautiful I hated to sully my surroundings with my words.

There are so many wonderful details.

It’s all beautiful. Everywhere you look, there’s something amazing to see – even in the mundane.

In addition to seeing the church, the cemetery across the road is home to some historic graves and a replica log cabin church.

They do still have services here. Go on the second Sunday each month and enjoy the service in German.

Visit the Make The Journey Fun Facebook page for a quick cell phone video of the inside of this church.