Wandering Wednesdays found us in Fulton, Missouri, at America’s National Churchill Museum located on the beautiful campus of Westminster College.
As we approached the college, we were amazed to see the incredible old block church that sat on the corner of Westminster and West Seventh.
Why Winston Churchill
My thoughts were all questions. Why a museum to commemorate Winston Churchhill in Missouri? What was the connection between the former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Westminster College? What was the draw to Fulton? How did this gorgeous building end up here? My questions began to be answered as we stepped through the double doors of the museum.
In 1946, the Westminster College president had connections with President Truman and requested an impossible speaking engagement of a great historical leader, Winston Churchill, inviting him to Fulton, Missouri. The invitation was accepted by Mr. Churchill who saw an opportunity to address a nation.
The Sinews of Peace
On that March afternoon Churchill spoke to a gymnasium full of young people giving his most significant speech of his long career. “The Sinews of Peace.”
Around 1960, Westminster College planned a 20th anniversary of the visit from Churchill. When this college dreams they dream big, and began their quest to move a Christopher Wren designed church from London. Yep, they moved the whole church!
St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury
During the great fire of London in 1666, St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, which had stood in London since the 12th century, was destroyed by fire when it was struck by a bomb.
Centuries later, the building was taken apart, stone by stone, cleaned of soot and stains, meticulously numbered, carefully labeled and shipped across the North Atlantic Oceans as a gift to Westminster College. As the stones arrived in Fulton they had been mixed and jumbled so much the mason builders had quite a jigsaw puzzle to put together before construction could begin.
Much more of this unbelievable story exists. The museum and their website paint a great picture of the details.
The exterior of this historical church was quite impressive with its tall clock tower. It was a thrill to listen as the rich bells chimed twelve times as noon rolled past.
The tall oval top windows on the sides of the building were gorgeous with the large chandelier peeking through. I can only imagine the beauty of the view on a moon-lit night.
Museum in Fulton, MO
Follow the sidewalk and stairs down to the museum which for a fee can be toured. There was a ton of history down there, but find the beautiful spiral staircase which led to the church sanctuary.
At the top of the stairs stood a ringside seat to the old wrinkled glass in one of the windows. I wondered what famous and important dignitary looked out the same window I was peeking through.
The pulpit area of the sanctuary was beautiful with its dark wood and the 10 Commandments front and center. Turning around our jaws dropped at the site just beyond the shining dark wooden pews. The pipe organ stood in all of its glory. My heart swelled wishing I could hear just a few notes flow through those old pipes. I can’t even explain the beauty before us.
Berlin Wall in Fulton, Missouri
Leaving the building we walked past eight Berlin Wall sections which stood 11 foot high and 32 foot long standing alongside of the building. The graffiti across the front of the wall “Unwahr” meant “lies” or “untruths”.
This monument titled “Breakthrough” was made possible by Winston Churchill’s granddaughter, Edwina Sandys and who had made a trip to Berlin to secure a portion of the wall to place where her grandfather delivered his most important speech during his lifetime. A four-foot section of the wall was being sold at a cost of $60,000 to $200,000. It looked as though Sandys dream might not come true, but after meeting with Berlin officials and because of the site these sections were being placed, these eight sections were gifted to the college from the German Democratic Republic. Another amazing quest conquered.
Mexican Food In Fulton, Missouri
Our lunch of choice was Mexican and with the help of a local college student, we found a place called Jalisco’s that didn’t disappoint.
Fulton, Missouri, a place to return to, with two college campuses, Westminster and William Woods, Auto World Museum, Antiquing, the Brick District, the Katie Trail and small shops, everyone could enjoy. See you again Fulton on one of our upcoming Wandering Wednesdays.