Back in 1888 a new church building opened in Marysville, KS. It was made of red brick and sat high on a hill overlooking the small town of Marysville which grew in population and commerce to become the county seat of Marshall County.
Throughout the decades, that little church has managed to remain a vibrant church community and, at times, a gathering place for the youth of Marysville. To this day, it is the oldest continuous-use church in Marysville. The congregation of St Paul’s in Marysville, even though the names and faces have changed, have remained steadfast in their faith and work in making the love of God known to many.
St Paul’s, tucked away in the far northwest corner of the diocese is one of the smaller congregations of the diocese. Being smaller, isolated, and limited financially, the qualities of self-sufficiency, frugality, and patience have been a constant over the years. Former Bishop Dean Wolf once commented on a visit that he could feel the pioneer spirit alive and well within the walls of St Paul’s.
Like so many other things, the test of time and the elements take a toll on the structure. The need for repairs can present what seems to be an insurmountable obstacle because of financial or physical needs or both. But through prayer, determination, and, at times, what feels like divine intervention, St Paul’s has continued. Over the years, renovations have been completed, and each time, a fresh breath of life comes with it. And so, it has again.
Planning for renovations to the church began in 2020 during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Never was there any thought given to the possibility of St Paul’s notwithstanding the uncertainty and isolation so many experienced during that life-altering event. The only question asked was when we would be able to gather as a congregation again.
The renovation would include the replacement of the stained-glass windows with energy-efficient windows, the replacement of dark wood paneling and repair of a structural brick wall, the replacement of well-worn carpeting, construction of a stem wall to incorporate the original stained-glass windows into the sanctuary of the church, upgrade of lighting to energy-efficient LED lighting. Finally, padded pew cushions and kneelers for the comfort of God’s people.
Securing funding was the first need to be addressed. A grant from the Louis C. McConaughy Fund which is directed by a committee at Trinity Episcopal in Atchison provided $3,000.00 toward stained glass window renovation. An anonymous donor paid for the replacement windows. Donations from the congregation, fundraising, patience, frugality, and self-sufficiency paid for the rest.
The bulk of the renovation project lasted roughly a year beginning in Advent 2021 and concluding in Advent 2022 with church services moved to the fellowship hall next door to the church.
As much labor as possible was supplied by the congregation to ease costs. There was a workday or two where folks came and removed carpeting, tore out an old wooden stem wall, and supplied a lot of support and enthusiasm. It is amazing how adaptable the folks of St Paul are. When pulling carpet staples from the floor, two of the older members worked in tandem because one could see the staples but wasn’t able to do the physical part of pulling the staples. The other was physically able but had difficulty seeing the staples. Together they were a formidable team along with others that kept the folks pulling the carpet very busy trying to stay ahead.
The stem wall on which the stained-glass windows were set was constructed and finished by Junior Warden Marty Malotte and Vicar Father Greg Doll.
The project was nearly completed in time for the Christmas Eve service in 2022. The service was held in the church before the carpeting, lighting, and cushions were installed. As of today, the only part of the renovation remaining is the construction of lighted boxes to house and illuminate the windows once hung inside the church.
There are so many people to thank for what has been achieved. Many prayers were answered in times of need and encouragement. The words of St Paul in 1st Thessalonians come to mind, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;”
An excerpt from St Paul’s church mission statement found in the 1898 vestry records, “St Paul’s will continue to value its heritage of sacramental worship and community service, guarding the present by ‘expressing a loving concern for each other’ and working to ensure the future by welcoming all and giving our time and treasure to God’s work.”
by the Rev. Greg Doll
835 SW Polk St.