SMITHVILLE – After fire ripped through the 80-year-old Presbyterian Church in the Town of Smithville more than two years ago, the rural, tight-knit community has reason to celebrate now that its two-year endeavor to build anew has finally come to pass.
Members of the First Presbyterian Church hosted a community open house celebration to show off the newly constructed building on Saturday. It has been a years-long process but well worth it in the end, say members, as community ties have grown even stronger and the congregation has shown they can literally rise from the ashes.
“I think this is really remarkable,” said long-time church member Marie Kehl, recalling the devastation faced by the congregation when the church was leveled in August, 2010. “It’s been a long two years, but we’re really happy that we’re finally here. And we’re very blessed that we have community support,” she added. “We’ve always been a church but now, we have a home.”
Construction officially got underway in May, when a small group of community members, prominent church leaders, volunteers and community organizations that once sifted through the burned out wreckage, stood at the construction site for a special ground-breaking ceremony. While fire devastated the previous two churches that once stood on the grounds, congregation members said they have reason to look forward.
In the front of the new building stands a pulpit, designed and dedicated by church member Ed Stone, in recognition of his son, Keith Stone, who passed away last year. An organ rests in the back corner, donated by the husband of a late organist and who wanted the organ to serve an uplifting cause in her memory. Hymnals, donated from other churches in surrounding areas, lay on a table ready to be used by parishioners; and a cross, salvaged from the burned wreckage, hangs on the front wall of a new building – a religious symbol as well as a constant reminder of how far the little church has come.
“It turned out just beautiful,” said Reverend Barbara Schwarz, a Presbyterian minister who regularly fills the church pulpit in Smithville. “It shows the level of community support that this church receives.”
Smithville Town Supervisor Fred Heisler, who is also a member of the church and worked with the church building committee throughout the construction process, was quick to point out the dedication of the group and the commitment they had to move forward in the face of adversity.
“I’m really proud that such a small group of people can put this together,” said Heisler. “This church really means something here. A town without a church is really missing something.”
A special church service with building dedication, as well as pulpit and organ dedication, will be held at the Smithville First Presbyterian Church on Sept. 23.