The Poker Church

The Poker Church in Cody, Wyoming

It was an odd day today, weather wise.  It was relatively warm early this morning, and I decided to go shopping with my 6 month old grandson.  When I came out of Walmart, it was snowing and blowing...but I could see blue sky over Rattlesnake Mountain on the other side of the snow cloud.

My grandson was cranky, so I thought if I drove around town for a little while he MIGHT go to sleep in his car seat (an old grandmother trick for a little peace and quiet).  In a half hour the storm was over, but if you look closely at this picture you can see the snow that settled on top of the back wing of the church.  Which leads me to the reason for this post...I thought I would take some pictures of Cody, and post them over the next few weeks.  Some of you have never been out west, and are curious about it.  Today I wanted to show you the Poker Church.

The Poker Church, or the Little Church, is tucked under the trees next to the main building of Christ Episcopal Church in Cody.  It was the original building of Christ Church, built in 1902.  It has a unique place in the history of our town.

According to the plaque outside the building...

     "This little church building, the first in Cody, was funded in 1902 by the last hand of a famous poker game.  The players, including Buffalo Bill Cody, agreed that the pot was too large for any one man and should be given to the winner's church.  Cody's friend George Beck won and directed that the winnings be used to build this Episcopal Church.  Through a loving circle of friends and parishioners, it was furnished with the first pipe organ in Wyoming as well as stained glass windows and a belfry bell.  All who visit and come to pray with us are welcome."

I love this little church.  It is usually open in the summer, and it is a lovely place to steal a few moments of quiet when the sun turns those stained glass windows to ruby.  The church is still used in the summer, and for special services, weddings and whatnot.  If you visit Cody, take a peek inside...and when you are done, Dairy Queen is right across the street!  DLB