By Mary O’KEEFE

“…All things change but truth, and that truth alone lives on forever … In my creator, my country and my fellow man.”
~ The Lone Ranger (Clayton Moore)

It was this view of the “Old West” when cowboys represented all that was good about the United States – hard work, honorable code, love of God and love of country – that each year is celebrated at the Center for Spiritual Living-La Crescenta.

Reverend Beverly Craig brought Cowboy Church to her congregation about 14 years ago. She was born and raised in Nebraska and loved the open fields of farmland. To her, the idea of the American cowboy was a perfect embodiment of America.

At Cowboy Church each year the Santa Clarita Valley Young Marines program presents the colors and leads the congregation in the Pledge of Allegiance. This is followed by a service that is full of country and western music and praises to God and country.

Karen Mitchell and the CC Wranglers bring a sense of the true cowboy to the stage with traditional songs like “Orange Blossom Special” and original songs like “Nobody Kisses Their Horse Anymore.” On Sunday, there were a lot of cowboy hats, neckerchiefs and cowboy boots. Members of the congregation couldn’t help but clap, dance and stamp their boots to the perfect music.

And after the service, the congregation enjoyed a meal of barbecued beef and chicken, watermelon and, of course, cowboy beans.

The service was dedicated to “those who have devoted their lives to the cause of freedom. Men and women who have served, and those now serving, in the Armed Forces,” stated the congregation.

  Mary Okeefe