Smithville church literally rising from the ashes
SMITHVILLE – Nearly two years after fire leveled the First Presbyterian Church in Smithville, members of the congregation showed eagerness to move forward when a ceremonial ground breaking for a new church building was held Saturday.
Construction of a new church is well underway. Excavators began the initial work weeks ago and the foundation is nearly finished. Though fire destroyed the 80-year-old church that once stood on site, and another in the same location burned prior to that, church members say they’re keeping positive about a new building.
“Members of the church have literally risen from the ashes,” said Reverend Barbara Schwartz, a Presbyterian minister who regularly fills in at the pulpit. “If any good can come of a fire, this is it.”
Following the August 2010 blaze, community volunteers and organizations helped clean up the wreckage. Since then, they’ve showed support through fundraising efforts to build anew. The building architect donated time toward the project and the Smithville area Junior Grange Club has also chipped in, raising money and volunteer hours in the community. Even a few motorists passing through Smithville have been generous in giving money toward the project, noted longtime congregation member Marie Kehl.
“This community has been so supportive,” said Kehl. “It’s been wonderful. This shows the best of a rural community.”
“It’s obvious that the community wants them to strive and thrive,” said Schwartz, adding that the timing of the ground-breaking ceremony is “perfect” as it falls in close proximity of Pentecost, which marks the end of the Easter season and “new beginnings,” she said.
One by one, congregation members shoveled dirt and top soil from the foundation’s edge, many expressing a few words of pride in what they’ve accomplished. Smithville Supervisor Fred Heisler was present for the ceremony and commended the congregation for their efforts in the church restoration.
“It’s been a long up-hill battle, but here we are, standing in front of the foundation,” he said. “We have worked with the greatest resources we have, which of course is the people ... The strongest part of the foundation is the people.”
According to Kehl, the congregation hopes to have the church completed in approximately three months. Area contracting business Randy Hay Construction will be ready to build when the foundation is completed.
Construction of a new church is well underway. Excavators began the initial work weeks ago and the foundation is nearly finished. Though fire destroyed the 80-year-old church that once stood on site, and another in the same location burned prior to that, church members say they’re keeping positive about a new building.
“Members of the church have literally risen from the ashes,” said Reverend Barbara Schwartz, a Presbyterian minister who regularly fills in at the pulpit. “If any good can come of a fire, this is it.”
Following the August 2010 blaze, community volunteers and organizations helped clean up the wreckage. Since then, they’ve showed support through fundraising efforts to build anew. The building architect donated time toward the project and the Smithville area Junior Grange Club has also chipped in, raising money and volunteer hours in the community. Even a few motorists passing through Smithville have been generous in giving money toward the project, noted longtime congregation member Marie Kehl.
“This community has been so supportive,” said Kehl. “It’s been wonderful. This shows the best of a rural community.”
“It’s obvious that the community wants them to strive and thrive,” said Schwartz, adding that the timing of the ground-breaking ceremony is “perfect” as it falls in close proximity of Pentecost, which marks the end of the Easter season and “new beginnings,” she said.
One by one, congregation members shoveled dirt and top soil from the foundation’s edge, many expressing a few words of pride in what they’ve accomplished. Smithville Supervisor Fred Heisler was present for the ceremony and commended the congregation for their efforts in the church restoration.
“It’s been a long up-hill battle, but here we are, standing in front of the foundation,” he said. “We have worked with the greatest resources we have, which of course is the people ... The strongest part of the foundation is the people.”
According to Kehl, the congregation hopes to have the church completed in approximately three months. Area contracting business Randy Hay Construction will be ready to build when the foundation is completed.
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