THE PARISH HOUSE FIRE OF 1959

Although we lost the use of our parish hall on May 11, 2008, it is not the first time that this parish family has suffered such a loss.

I have reproduced below a part of the history of Christ Church. It is written is the style of the times or a bit before. I am not sure who wrote it, but I think that you may enjoy reading it. Father Bob+

On the First Day of April,1959 the old parish house was destroyed by fire. The fire was discovered about 10:30 in the evening and by midnight it was all over. the building was completely gutted, a total loss. However, largely due to the efforts of Mr. Victor Keller, nearly all of the vestments, and all sacred vessels were saved. If one could believe that any fire is a blessing, this one could qualify. the old building had been a source of question and trouble for the beginning of the expansion era. Anything that could have been done further would probably have required its destruction. As is was the Parish received and insurance settlement of $10,767.67 for what would have been necessarily done at some time without recovery. However, the problems of the Parish were not inconsiderable on the morning after the fire. There was no place for meetings other than the church itself. The Church School was once more without space. The ladies work must be carried out from homes. The problems magnified with each confrontation of them.

After a certain inevitable amount of delay the design for the present parish hall was arrived at. A contract was let to Mr. George Doerfler for the building for more than $30,000.

The building and its furnishings cost $40,600.00. Again a loan was made with the Security First National Bank. This time the amount of the loan was $38,700.00 with repayment set at $470.00 per month. The building was incorporated with the teh Church School Building and formed a pleasant patio between the two buildings. On the West, toward the Church, the Parish house is some fourteen feet away from the East wall of the Church.

Among the features which have proved to be fortunate about the building are the excellent and workable kitchen and the working sacristy. The roof of the building over the kitchen was left perfectly flat in anticipation of adding classrooms in that area. Also at some time it is hoped that the sanctuary of the Church will be extended to meet the west wall of the Parish House. These two features are still a part of the present planning. The hall itself has proved not only to be very pleasant and light and airy, but very practical.