Essays: The Faith of Rich Fountain

The people of Rich Fountain, Missouri, believe. Since the German-Catholic township was settled in the hills of Osage County in 1838, the residents have been actively practicing their faith. Today, nearly all of the town's 200 residents attend mass at Sacred Heart Church at least once a week, and local children start their day with prayer at the Catholic grade school. Yet, it's outside the doors of the church and the classroom where this faith thrives. Most people in this community will tell you they live a simple life, but the convictions they hold are anything but simple.