For the past several weeks, church members and visitors to Countryside Community Church in Spearfish, South Dakota have been greeted by a veiled sculpture. What follows in this gallery is a bit of background about "The Journeyer" and how he found his way to the entry of our church.

Countryside Community Church began as a result of 15 adults who met in the Spring of 1993. This core group of Christians began a new church in the Spearfish area. They were drawn to the ministry by a strong desire to provide something uniquely relevant to unchurched people in the Northern Black Hills.

Countryside Community Church officially began on September 12, 1993.

In 2006, Countryside moved to its new location -- shown here. In 2007, member Dick Hicks conceived the notion of creating a piece of art that would add to the welcoming spirit of the church -- and its "journey of faith." Thus was born the "Journeyer" sculpture, which we chronicle with this posting.

A native of Detroit, Dick is a retired Black Hills State University art professor. He went to Albion College, where he earned a B.A. in art and a certificate in secondary education.

In 1960, Dick graduated from the University of Iowa with a major in painting and minors in drawing and print-making. He taught in Michigan for a few years -- but then landed a job with Black Hills State University. He taught at BHSU for some 33 years before retiring in 2003.

After consulting with church leaders, Dick started to work on the eight foot tall "Journeyer" sculpture. He collaborated with former BHSU art student Mitch Carlisle. Their work was done in the backyard of Dick's home in Spearfish.

Most of the actual construction was done in the evenings, and there were few photographs taken.This photo was taken as the project neared completion.

The sculpture stands about eight feet tall and weighs between 200-300 pounds. It began life as 4 x 8 feet squares of 16 gauge sheet metal acquired from Dakota Steel Company.

We have documented the relocating of the sculpture from the Hicks yard to the front of Countryside Church.

Dick and a group of his colleagues gathered on October 30th to transport the sculpture. He is joined by Chris Anderson (back left) and Todd Carlson (right), Carroll Goodsell (not shown) and Larry Miller (behind the camera).

It may look like he's waving back at the sculpture, but Todd is actually helping to stabilize the work as it leaves the Hicks' yard.

"Let there be light" might well be the caption for this photo, as the Journeyer prepares for the commute to Countryside Church. You may see a larger version of these photographs by simply clicking on the image.

Carroll Goodsell provided his trailer for moving the artwork. Here, Todd Carlson, Chris Anderson and Carroll tie the sculpture firmly to the trailer.

Dick and Carroll prepare for the trek to Countryside.

Farewell to the artist's workshop.