Dublin Core
Title
1992-04-21 UMC Easter, new building, Rossville, Kansas
Description
by Dorothy N. Hoobler "Our God is a God of Miracles!" exclaimed the Rev. Ken Rogers, pastor of the Rossville United Methodist Church. This was his Easter message, but it also expressed the feeling of the approximately 300 parishioners, their families and friends who attended the very first worship service held in the new sanctuary at 411 Pearl Street. Who would have dared to believe last Easter that the new building would be ready so soon?
Truly, it seemed like a minor miracle that the beautiful brick sanctuary with adjoining fellowship hall/educational unit could have been completed in such record time. Just 113 months ago, in March 1991, the members approved the building committee's recommendations, and the Zion Church Building Company, Zion, Ill., was selected. The old Church was razed in August, and ground-breaking ceremonies were held October 6,1991.
On Easter Sunday April 19, 1992, the congregation and a host of friends filled the new building to overflowing. It was a glorious day, despite the chilly, misty weather — and particularly meaningful because so many of those present had shared in its completion with labor, monetary gifts, pledges and prayers.
It was in 1872, under the leadership of a local lay preacher, Paul Strimple, that the first Methodist Congregation was organized in Rossville. Their first Church, dedicated in March of 1885, was built on the site of this new complex.
There are definite advantages and improvements in the 1992 sanctuary. It's built several feet higher, safely out of danger from any raging Cross Creek flood water. It's completely handicapped-accessible with even a ramp leading to the chancel. And there is a more than adequate parking area, with space on three sides.
There's definitely a modern look, both inside and out, yet much of the historical or sentimental value has been preserved. The unusual triangular-shaped buff brick tower which holds the old bell and sign compliments the angles of the roof. It also includes a message of welcome and the Methodist cross and flame emblem.
Thick sod has been planted and, thanks to all our recent drizzling weather, it's thriving. Other landscaping is yet to be completed.
When we visited the church on Good Friday morning, it was a beehive of activity as volunteers worked feverishly to have things ready for the Easter service.
Rev. Rogers explained, "The amount of volunteer help was phenomenal." The pastor, who was barely aware of the building plans when he came to Rossville in June, continued, "This is one of the most exciting experiences in my ministry. The District Superintendent assured me there was a good building community, and I should let them do their work."
Building committee chairman Dean Page added, "The good Lord was with us. The weather was so mild this winter, the work could progress rapidly." Other committee members are Bill Larson, Linda Gentry, Bob Macha, Ed Claycamp, Greg Warden, Scott Kelsey, Barbara Akin, and Jim Hays.
Page echoed the pastor's praise for the excellent response of local men and women who contributed was much of their time and talent. Carl Farley became the local building supervisor, John Queen created the large cross behind the altar and the arched window trim.
Jim Channel and Jim Corpening were painters, and Jim Gordon did the concrete work.
There were countless others. On a recent Saturday, forty people came to work. Please forgive us for not naming everyone, but please know, too, that the labor of every single volunteer is deeply appreciated.
You get your first glimpse of the sanctuary narthex through double glass doors with windows on either side. (As we discovered on Easter Sunday, you can still see the pastor through those opened doors, even from the very back of a crowded fellowship hall!
The octagonal-shaped sanctuary must be seen to be properly appreciated. The lovely, familiar, orchid stained glass windows from the old church — one centered with wheat and the other with lilies — are on either side of the chancel. These windows, along with the circular windows with the open Bible and the dove, and also the towering white spire, are illuminated each evening. And they are just as beautiful from the inside when the sunlight streams through.
All the wood is oak. Look up, and appreciate the eight exposed ceiling beams, the wooden decking, and the long, hexagon-shaped chandeliers.
The interior furniture, pulpit, altar, and pews are from a Garnett, Ks. factory. The communion rail opens to provide a place for the communion cups.
ROSSVILLE METHODISTS gave thanks Easter Sunday morning for their new house of worship and the cooperation and love which went into the construction of this beautiful building.
Truly, it seemed like a minor miracle that the beautiful brick sanctuary with adjoining fellowship hall/educational unit could have been completed in such record time. Just 113 months ago, in March 1991, the members approved the building committee's recommendations, and the Zion Church Building Company, Zion, Ill., was selected. The old Church was razed in August, and ground-breaking ceremonies were held October 6,1991.
On Easter Sunday April 19, 1992, the congregation and a host of friends filled the new building to overflowing. It was a glorious day, despite the chilly, misty weather — and particularly meaningful because so many of those present had shared in its completion with labor, monetary gifts, pledges and prayers.
It was in 1872, under the leadership of a local lay preacher, Paul Strimple, that the first Methodist Congregation was organized in Rossville. Their first Church, dedicated in March of 1885, was built on the site of this new complex.
There are definite advantages and improvements in the 1992 sanctuary. It's built several feet higher, safely out of danger from any raging Cross Creek flood water. It's completely handicapped-accessible with even a ramp leading to the chancel. And there is a more than adequate parking area, with space on three sides.
There's definitely a modern look, both inside and out, yet much of the historical or sentimental value has been preserved. The unusual triangular-shaped buff brick tower which holds the old bell and sign compliments the angles of the roof. It also includes a message of welcome and the Methodist cross and flame emblem.
Thick sod has been planted and, thanks to all our recent drizzling weather, it's thriving. Other landscaping is yet to be completed.
When we visited the church on Good Friday morning, it was a beehive of activity as volunteers worked feverishly to have things ready for the Easter service.
Rev. Rogers explained, "The amount of volunteer help was phenomenal." The pastor, who was barely aware of the building plans when he came to Rossville in June, continued, "This is one of the most exciting experiences in my ministry. The District Superintendent assured me there was a good building community, and I should let them do their work."
Building committee chairman Dean Page added, "The good Lord was with us. The weather was so mild this winter, the work could progress rapidly." Other committee members are Bill Larson, Linda Gentry, Bob Macha, Ed Claycamp, Greg Warden, Scott Kelsey, Barbara Akin, and Jim Hays.
Page echoed the pastor's praise for the excellent response of local men and women who contributed was much of their time and talent. Carl Farley became the local building supervisor, John Queen created the large cross behind the altar and the arched window trim.
Jim Channel and Jim Corpening were painters, and Jim Gordon did the concrete work.
There were countless others. On a recent Saturday, forty people came to work. Please forgive us for not naming everyone, but please know, too, that the labor of every single volunteer is deeply appreciated.
You get your first glimpse of the sanctuary narthex through double glass doors with windows on either side. (As we discovered on Easter Sunday, you can still see the pastor through those opened doors, even from the very back of a crowded fellowship hall!
The octagonal-shaped sanctuary must be seen to be properly appreciated. The lovely, familiar, orchid stained glass windows from the old church — one centered with wheat and the other with lilies — are on either side of the chancel. These windows, along with the circular windows with the open Bible and the dove, and also the towering white spire, are illuminated each evening. And they are just as beautiful from the inside when the sunlight streams through.
All the wood is oak. Look up, and appreciate the eight exposed ceiling beams, the wooden decking, and the long, hexagon-shaped chandeliers.
The interior furniture, pulpit, altar, and pews are from a Garnett, Ks. factory. The communion rail opens to provide a place for the communion cups.
ROSSVILLE METHODISTS gave thanks Easter Sunday morning for their new house of worship and the cooperation and love which went into the construction of this beautiful building.
Creator
The St. Marys Star, St. Marys, Kansas
This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties.
This work is copyrighted; the copyright holder has granted permission for this item to be used by the Rossville Community Library. This permission does not extend to third parties.
Date
April 21, 1992
Rights
All rights reserved
Identifier
RCL0623
Item Relations
This item has no relations.