The Anglican Church of Saint Andrew in Merrillville Indiana

The Anglican Church of Saint Andrew, as know as the "little church on the hill," is located at 8555 Grand Boulevard in Merrillville Indiana. The pretty white Anglican church is surrounded by acres of undeveloped land which have been taken over by wildflowers, trees, rabbits, birds, deer, and a host of other forest creatures.

During my visit to this church, three crows, having made the church grounds their home, abruptly peck the glass doors at the back of the church, believing they are face to face with rival crows. Dusty colored rabbits scurry away at the sight of a human visitor. Flowers and shrubbery splash red, green, yellow, red, forget-me-not blue, and maroon upon the gleaming white building. A cross-bearing steeple majestically peeks above the church. Large rectangular and triangular configurations come together to form the complete structural foundation. I am amazed by the beauty of this little white Anglican church on a quiet country road, and I am about to step inside.

The Sanctuary of the Anglican Cathedral of Saint Andrew

Within the church, a wall separates the sanctuary and the well-equip kitchen, and it has the faint sweet aroma of fresh wood. The carpet that covers the floor of the sanctuary in the Anglican Church of Saint Andrew is deep red. Pictures depicting the Stations of the Cross colorfully adorn the light gray walls. A small wooden lectionary stands in the center of the room with a bleach-white linen draped over the top. The pulpit sits on the front left side of the room, and the organ sits directly opposite to the pulpit.

The Alter at the Anglican Cathedral of Saint Andrew

A golden communion rail separates the altar from the rest of the room at the Anglican Church of Saint Andrew. The central portion of the rail can be opened to enable the priests to access the altar. Five chairs have been placed against parallel walls for the priests. One chair however, is only for the Bishop. The Bishop's chair is unique in that it resembles a king's throne, and it is adorned with a maroon cushion. Three blood-red steps lead directly to the altar.

Starched white and kelly-green linens have been placed over the altar at the Anglican Church of Saint Andrew. A cross proudly stands in the center of the church. A statue of the Virgin Mary, adjacent to the altar, glances out into the room. The American Flag and the Flag of Saint Andrew have been placed at opposite ends of the altar. Saint Andrew's Flag is sky-blue with a white, x-shaped cross on it. The x-shaped cross represents the manner in which Saint Andrew was crucified.

Natural Sounds Break the Silence at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew

At the moments when the organ is not playing thunderous melodies, a sense of tranquility floods the room at the Anglican Church of Saint Andrew. The silence is sometimes broken by the intermittent moans and groans of the building. Because the Anglican Church of Saint Andrew is located on a hill, it sometimes becomes quite windy. The wind amplifies the array of sounds within the building; the moans and groans become loud clangs and bangs. The crows pecking at the glass doors create a treacherous pounding a cawing racket; although, the other birds' chirping is very peaceful. Beyond the natural sounds, the Anglican Church of Saint Andrew is a very tranquil and peaceful place to worship.