PittsChickens and bells – not so connected. In Pittsburg, TX they are closely related. Every hour four Paccard bells from France chime and play hymns from the Prayer Tower in Witness Park. Okay so what about the chickens? The tower was a gift to the town from Bo Pilgrim, one of the founders of Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.

The Pilgrim brothers were from the Pittsburg area and on October 2, 1946 purchased a feed and seed store that would grow into Pilgrim’s Pride. Pittsburg is a relic from a bygone era yet Witness Park and Prayer Tower is something you expect to find in a much larger city.

The Prayer Tower is home to the bells and a chapel that never closes. The tower is 75 feet tall and is the anchor of the park. On one side of the tower is a life size bronze statue of Jesus washing the feet of his disciple, Peter. On the other side is a long narrow pond with a gurgling fountain. The park is beautifully landscaped. In fact, while we were there two women were working to plant flowering plants.

Washing Peter’s Feet

The day we visited, we had an early lunch at Pittsburg Hot Links (another story for another blog post) so we could be at the park for noon. Standing at the foot of the pond listening to the chimes and hymns was soothing to the soul. We could imagine ourselves in a small town in Europe listening to ancient chimes from a church. The music and chimes were mesmerizing and we were sorry when it came to an end.

Tower and Pool

Going into the chapel was like entering a refuge. The outside world stopped, the quiet was a salve and the stain glass windows were like a master’s painting. We sat for a while in the quiet realizing time was passing and we should be leaving.

Witness Park and Prayer Tower is truly a magical and spiritual place. We walked away rejuvenated with a lighter step and concerns that melted away.

Chapel

Chapel Lights

Stain Glass Window and Chapel Door

Sculpture Stone