In my quest to portray the many aspects of the West’s pioneers, I have often played with the idea of a country church scene. The men and women of the West’s new frontier expressed their lifestyles, cultural values, and faith in the buildings that served as a focus for community and a center for devotion. This painting depicts the beginning of a service with the congregation holding their hymnals and singing. Drawing from my own church memories and observations , you can find I included a variety of attitudes and reactions, and perhaps, a stowed away pet frog about to make a break for it. - MW