Five years ago, Gene Bicknell had a vision about a shrine the Lord wanted him to build. Bicknell said, “That vision specifically outlined how it was to be constructed, from top to bottom.” He went on to say, “It is not unusual for God to give us direction; but it falls on our humanly abilities to make sure we follow that direction as he intended.” Bicknell followed the direction he was given, and the journey from that vision to the April 2010 opening of The Shrine of the Holy Spirit took more than a few interesting turns.
Bicknell was in Pittsburg, KS, his hometown, when he received the vision. His first thought was to build there. However, the Lord’s message led him to believe the spiritual sanctuary should be constructed in Branson, MO. And Bicknell says even the design and construction materials were “decided in and through the Holy Spirit.”
One hundred tons of steel (more than in the Statue of Liberty) and 800,000 pounds of blue stone were used to create the unique structure that Bicknell and his family hope will serve as a place for reflection and prayer, a place where people can feel the presence of, and be “moved by, God’s Holy Spirit at work” in their lives. The facility is also available for weddings, reunions and other events.
The Shrine’s courtyard, with planters, seating areas and a fountain, offers an unobstructed view of surrounding Ozarks countryside. Visitors can also read scripture verses engraved on the walls; the verses were selected by family members and friends. The entry displays the Ten Commandments.
Bicknell writes, “The Cross on the Tower represents God and Jesus. The Sphere represents the world or the head. The neck is below the Sphere and it extends to the shoulders. From the shoulders, the walls represent the arms. Note that the arms are shaped around this place of worship, giving us comfort as we express our faith and pay homage to the Three Persons of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
The Gazebo area is ideal for reflection and relaxation; the gift shop has not only gifts but also refreshments, books and other items. All proceeds will fund maintenance and upkeep of the Shrine.
The journey from vision to completion of the Shrine also encompassed difficulties with permits; engineering design flaws; terrain deficiencies; the changing of building materials and insufficiencies of materials; 32 days of blasting rock; and, of course, cost overruns.
It took 200,000 man-hours to build; there were 28 sub-contractors and 100 laborers. The native New York blue stone used required 18 round trips from Branson, roughly two trips around the globe. The 125 tons of re-bar used would stretch 20 miles; and the 1335 cubic yards of concrete (5.3 million pounds, 150 truckloads) is enough to construct nearly two miles of a 14 feet-wide city street.
Larry Snyder Construction was the contractor and Michael Rankin was construction manager. Tom Treat worked as the architect during the building of the Shrine. Treat followed the original drawing by Stuart Owsley.
Gene Bicknell is a veteran of the United States Army, an entrepreneurial and successful businessman, politician, educator, writer and philanthropist. He has a strong background in theater and The Shrine of the Holy Spirit is adjacent to The Mansion Theatre, one of two theaters he owns in Branson. Bicknell also owns the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre.
Bicknell has developed many companies over the years, including National Pizza Company International, Inc., Pitt Plastics, Inc., and National Mills, Inc. Bicknell was the youngest mayor in the history of Pittsburg, Kansas, and ran for Governor of Kansas in 1986 and 1994.
Bicknell has five children, eighteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The completion of the Shrine of the Holy Spirit, this monument to Bicknell’s faith, is certainly a highlight in the life of a talented, multi-faceted and very spiritual man. READ MORE
Come experience the Shrine of the Holy Spirit. |