Mark's Remarks 3/9

The Building Committee for the planning and building of this church was quite small: L.E. (Gene) Allen, Chairman; Ted Kurek, Mrs. Olivia Roorbach, Harry Singer, Jack Wymore were the members. There were two alternate members, Dr. Robert Cole and Mrs. Phil Isley. There were no doubt numerous subcommittees.

The official opening day was December 11, 1966. That was a great day! Not only was it the first time to worship in an awesome sanctuary, but it was a day that initiated a world of witnessing, good works, kindnesses, and relationships. How far these good influences have carried over the last 42 years is known only by God.

Until 1850, our church had no real home of record. It only met formally once a month and did so in school houses, meeting halls and the county court house. Since then we’ve had a number of sites and differing building formats on the sites. The Franklin and Gallatin site, for instance, began as a small frame structure in 1856. In 1895 a brick structure with a white steeple was built at the site. In 1912, a larger sanctuary was added; its capacity was 270. By 1954, more classrooms, a chapel, and a “lounge” were added.
Our church has continually looked ahead to provide a witness to a changing, growing community.

March 30th, we’ll see a glimpse of our future. In all four worship services we’ll have renderings, explanations and dreams, in the midst of prayers, songs, and praise.

Building a fit tool for God’s work has never been an easy task. It has always, always been an act of faith and prayer. I invite you all to be in prayer at this time for our future. What part will your family have in that future? Will your grandchildren be baptized, trained, and married there?

The Stocksdales purchased our current pews. Nancy Leisinger and family provided the big walnut cross. The Sprugels furnished a classroom. The Singers furnished the sacristy. Joe and Anna Lee Clark put the petrol in the tank; they purchased the offering plates! Yes, there were many more gifts; these were just a few listed in the consecration program.

What do you think will be your history at the new location? I can “Imagine” that it will be great and gracious. “I was glad when they said let us go unto the house of the Lord.”