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This cache is rated this way because: my G.P.S. doesn't seem to like it, and may appear 20-50 feet off; and, eventhough it is very easy to approach, the last 20-50 feet might pose some problem(s).
This is the first cache that I have hidden, so any comment that you may have would be appreciated. This cache will probably be either very easy, or, very hard. I hope it is a challenge, and that you like it.
Faith United Lutheran Church, after whom all of the initials refer (Faith United Lutheran Location, Faith United Navigation) is a special country church, that was established in 1872; burned down, and was rebuilt in 1915. It is a local landmark, and is visible, for several miles, in every direction. It's outward appearance is deceiving, because it really is a living, historical gem, on the inside. It is currently undergoing several structural upgrades, including an elevator. A great deal of this is thanks to the generous gifts and grants that it has received from various individuals, and, from historical preservation societies, including The State of South Dakota. This money has helped restore several of the windows, but there are at least 2 that are written in Norwegian that have yet to be restored. Many other points of interest exist, but are inside the church, itself, so you should explore that, if you are interested.
The cache, itself, is easy to get to (paved roads, all the way, despite their rambling), and there is ample parking, in the parking lot, just to the east of the church--not many "muggles," either, but there may be a few working on the church.
The church let me place a cache, on the following conditions:
(1) The cache can't be in the cemetary. Since that is also traditional geocaching, this is not a problem;
(2) The cache can't be in The Butterfly Garden. Since this area is so beautiful, for so much of the year, and ususally full of flowers, I really don't want to intrude here, except to look, and I hope that you will do the same, because the cache is not between the 2 south, concrete staircases, beautiful, and tempting as it may be; and,
(3) The cache can't be in or on the church, nor, in or on any of the outbuildings--it isn't.
Once you see the general location, you may appreciate the challenge, and will probably narrow the possible hiding places, quite quickly: yes, it's right where you hoped it wouldn't be--but therein lies the challenge. Once you see the location, you will probably see why I prefer not to give you too much information about the cache.
However, the following may assist you:
(1) It would only be appropriate to give you this type of clue: my research shows that this hymn is frequently listed as one of the top ten, of all time--if I told you its name, you would know where the cache is; if I told you the equally well-known first line of the hymn, you would know exactly where the cache is.
(2) The cache container is not: an "evil blinkie." a nano-micro, nor is it a 35 mm film canister--I wanted to make the search interesting, not impossibly mind-boggling.
(3) Where are the scissors? Oh well, 2-out-of-three isn't bad, even in this child's play clue.
Special thanks are due the following: the congregation, council, and, boards of Faith United, especially the cemetary board, the caretaker of most of the property surrounding the church: their support of geocaching is truly inspirational; Jim Nielsen, without whom this project would never have gotten off the drawing board; the princess, and her helpers, for testing this idea/cache; and, to Holly Madsen, the princess' mom, and souvenir card maker, extraordinary, for putting-up with our rants about this cache: your patient help was greatly appreciated.
I will try to provide pictures of the interior and exterior, during the year. There is some geoswag, in the cache, including a FTF pin.
I originally planned to place this on St. Patrick's Day, or, April 1st, but just couldn't wait !
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Abar erdhverq: gur pyhrf ner va gur qrfpevcgvbaf cebivqrq.