Taiban, New Mexico was a whistle stop on the railroad that ran East and West through eastern New Mexico. About fourteen miles east of Fort Sumner, Taiban is at the western edge of the Llano Estacado. It was a thriving community that served the local farmers and ranchers. The town boasted a post office, general mercantile store, school, bank, hotel, and a bawdy house that slaked many a thirst and raised many an eyebrow. There was even an international airport in the '50s!
A pillar of the community throughout the town's life was the Presbyterian church which also served Baptist and Methodist faiths. Built in 1908, the church opened its doors in December of that year. It played a major role in the spiritual life of the community. The last service at the church was held in 1936.
As trains were able to go greater distances without stopping for water and fuel, Taiban slowly lost its importance. Drought and the Depression swallowed Taiban and people moved away.
However, to this day, the church continues to be a source of continuing solace to travelers on US 60/84. On the walls inside the church are messages that range from the "Kilroy was here" type to inspirational messages and prayers of hope.
Reflections of a Poet
Continuing Solace
"A Small Wood Frame Church (a fantasy)"
In the half-light of evening,
a small wood frame church
sits upon a wide expanse of prairie
silhouetted against a distant and darkening horizon.
In the past it had served the spiritual needs
of a small town that eventually collapsed beneath the weight
of the Depression and the drying winds.
The building appears abandoned by all
save the wind and evening shadows –
some say perhaps even God has abandoned it.
But all things change –
so, too, the ministry of this church.
For the people close by,
the little church became known
as a place of rejuvenation
and inner healing.
Now people from all over turn off the highway
in order to see and experience
something in their lives that is different and sustaining.
They are pilgrims who seek a deeper purpose and meaning in their lives.
Many who come here
write words of wisdom, comfort, peace, and love on the walls,
becoming not only pilgrims, but prophets as well –
the words of the prophets are written on the church walls. *
And those who turn aside from their paths
find holy ground like Moses,
who left his flock to see a bush burning without being consumed,
and he took off his shoes, for he knew it was holy ground.
Now, the small church
has a large congregation made up of those who visit there,
though never are they gathered together as such –
the church gathered becomes the church scattered.
Perhaps, in time,
other churches will rise up in the desolate places in our world,
and perhaps those pilgrims, too, will find holy ground
and take off their shoes.
*Adapted from a song by Paul Simon entitled “The Sounds of Silence”
“A Small Wood Frame Church,” Copyright© 2018 by John D. Call