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It is humbling ... but also .... most inspiring! Our parish celebrated its centennial in 2005. We are currently restoring a 160 y/o former Methodist Church. Once completed, it will be consecrated as a Catholic Church. Over the past 3 years, I have gathered what little information as could be found in the archives of the Methodist Council, in order to preserve the history of the congregation that built this church. Having ourselves struggled to build our own community, we have a great appreciation for those who forfeited personal belongings, sacrificed and determinedly built that church. When that community eventually fell apart, the remnant tearfully gathered one last time in prayer before turning the building over to a local hardware store that purchased it. Their one request was that it be sold only for religious worship, regardless of the denomination. Many lucrative offers from commercial enterprises were turned down by the hardware store owner, out of deference for the wishes of those devout christians.

As we work to restore this small Church, we all focus in on the spirit of the original community and have gone to great lengths to preserve this Church's original design elements. Even the construction of the sanctuary respectfully blends itself to the historic setting. We will celebrate their memory with a special commemorative board. Currently, the original stained glass windows have been removed and are in the process of being restored. The original carved doors have been removed, sanded down and await a fresh coat of paint. What a celebration there will be on the day this Church is reconsecrated! The memory of the christians who built it will be honored before all gathered that day.

It is important to preserve the past. What better honor to pay those who sacrificed much with a renewed commitment to worship God in that sacred space.