1997-05-13 UMC Mortgage paid, Rossville, Kansas

1997-05-13 UMC Mortgage paid, Rossville, Kansas

PERIODICAL—TIME-DATED MATERIAL.

he St. Marys Star

Marys, Ks. 66536 OFFICIAL PAPER - CITIES OF ST. MARYS, EMMETT, ROSSVILLE, WILLARD, SILVER LAKE and DELIA

Tuesday, May 13,1997

Rossville Methodists Burn The Mortgage

by Dorothy N. Hoobler Sunday, May 4, was a very special day in the lives of members of the congregation of the Rossville United Methodist Church. Only five years after the very first worship service in the beautiful new sanctuary on Easter Sunday, 1992, they gathered for a service of praise and thanksgiving to celebrate the liquidation of the building debt. Using the flame from the candle on the altar, District Superintendent John Stoneking lit a corner of the mortgage paper. The flames blazed upward, and the smell of smoke briefly filled the sanctuary. The ashes dropped into the silver bowl held by Pastor Ken Rogers. The sanctuary was dedicated to the glory and service of God.
Rev. Rogers was assigned to the Rossville Church six years ago, just as the building program began. He recounted a brief history of the 125 years of the existence of the congregation. It was organized in 1872, shortly after the town of Rossville was founded. Soon, members began meeting in the only schoolhouse in the new town. In 1885, the first Methodist church building was dedicated. It was their house of worship until it was razed in 1992. "Time, floods, and termites had taken their toll," Rev. Rogers explained. The beautiful arched stained glass windows, the bell, and other familiar and historic items were saved to be used in the new church, erected on the same site. Once again, the congregation met in a schoolhouse, the Rossville High School building, until that memorable Easter Sunday when nearly 300 celebrated its completion.
This Sunday, there was again a ministry of music, with organ/piano music by Grace Brian and Ann McCullough, and a beautiful anthem by the choir. The children, so important in the life of every church, listened attentively to Ed Claycamp's message, "Just For Kids."
In his message, "Upon This Rock," Rev. Rogers recognized the faithful, hard working members of the building committee, Chairman Dean Page, Bill Larson, Linda Gentry, Bob Macha, Ed Claycamp, Greg Warden, Scott Kelsey, Barbara Akin and Jim Hays. Also recognized were the members of the Finance Committee — Chairman Ruth Larson, Diane Hatfield, Bernice French, Joe Conley, Dorothy Becker, Ron Lutz and Bob Gentry.
When so many have contributed so much in the past five years, it is easy to overlook a name. Consequently, Pastor Rogers also asked the entire congregation to stand and be recognized for their generous gifts of time, labor, monetary donations, and prayers. Without them, this dedication ceremony could not have been held so quickly. He also reminded listeners of this verse from Psalms 127: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain."
The congregation has had five years to become accustomed to the handicapped-accessible sanctuary, the enlarged parking area, the padded pews, a well-equipped kitchen, the roomy fellowship hall, more individual classrooms, and so much, much more. They enjoy the fellowship time which follows the worship time and the opportunity to visit with fellow parishioners.
On Sunday, May 3, 1997, they also celebrated in the sacrament of Holy Communion. It was a fitting conclusion to such a special day. It was also a new beginning for a debt-free congregation as they look forward to the 21st century, and many more years of service to the Lord and to the community.

The Rev. John Stoneking, District Superintendent, Topeka District United Methodist, left, and the Rev. Ken Rogers, pastor of Rossville United Methodist, burned the mortgage May 4.

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.

May 13, 1997

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RCL0462