Trinity makes tough decision

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October 23, 2015 - 12:00 AM

Members voted Thursday night to close Trinity Methodist Church, 228 S. Kentucky St., though the date won’t be decided until later.
The United Methodist Great Plains Conference, which includes churches in Kansas and Nebraska, owns the property and will have the final say on what will become of the structure that dates to 1904, said the Rev. Jocelyn Tupper.
Tupper and Associate Minister Ed Flener provide pastoral guidance for Trinity, as well as Iola’s other United Methodist churches, Wesley and Calvary. They arrived in Iola nearly three months ago when the conclusion was to work toward a cooperative United Methodist presence in town, rather than three separate churches.
“We can do better together,” Tupper said.
The decision to close was a local one. Members were notified by mail of Thursday night’s session and “a representative number” were involved in the decision, said Gary McIntosh, chairman of the church council.
At issue for Trinity was a dwindling congregation,  McIntosh said, allowing that at age 72, “I’m probably the youngest active member. It’s not a money issue, and the church is in mint condition” — extensive upgrades were done in recent years — “and we have financial reserves.”
Some legalities remain: The Kansas-Nebraska conference will examine church records to “make sure we are who we say we are,” McIntosh said, as well as ensure no legal action is pending. The conference will vote to validate the local decision at its annual meeting in June.
The church could become a meeting place for another denomination, with the United Methodist position being that would be appropriate “as long as its used to make disciples for Christ,” Tupper said. “It was a difficult decision” for everyone, members and ministers, in the closure vote. “There is so much tradition and history. Some members have always gone here.”
“It is a beacon in east Iola,” McIntosh interjected, “the furthest church” on Iola’s east side. “It was built by foundry (and smelter) workers,” saving from their pay checks.
“It’s a neat church,” he added. “Did you notice the cross in the ceiling,” made from strips of wood subtly colored differently than the remainder, “and windows are fantastic,” donated through the years by members with their names attached. “There is both sadness and joy in the closing,” joy in knowing the church likely will continue to be involved in worship services.
“There are so many memories,” Flener said. “It’s tough to give up. Like our house, where we raised our children, when we moved. I’ve been here just a short time, but already have memories.”
“We’ll worship in the church and continue as we have until the last day and then celebrate,” Tupper said. “God’s presence will remain alive, while we look for new ways to have the church continue on.”
Ultimately, Flener said, “the church is its people, not a building.”
“I’m sure good things will happen,” McIntosh added.

WHEN IOLA was booming in the early 1900s, brought about by the discovery of natural gas that fed energy-hungry ovens at smelters and other industries, east Iola was in a growth spurt. The city’s population surged to near 20,000.
Spiritual needs were a part. To fulfill it a Methodist Church was proposed on the corner of Kentucky and Broadway streets. The site was  purchased for $200 and money was raised, mostly through a canvass of industries and their workers.
By summer 1904 five members, making up a building committee, had plans in place and a bid of $5,075 was accepted for the sanctuary’s construction. The cornerstone was laid on Oct. 19, 1904. During construction, and before, congregants gathered at several places, including a tent on the church lot. Several building, and members’ homes, held services and prayer meetings.
The church was dedicated on April 30, 1905.
Over the years, Trinity was home to numerous events — homecomings, meetings, building anniversaries — and its members filled the sanctuary on Sunday mornings.
An annex and fellowship hall were added to provide room for expanded opportunities and even public use on Election Day.

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