After a three year
odyssey, the construction of the new church building for Mount Horeb
Presbyterian has been completed to replace the original one that was destroyed
by fire on March 28th 2002. On Sunday, June 25, 2005 between 1:00
and 2:00
pm, as a stream of people arrived at the site for a Service of Dedication.
Church members, relatives, friends and neighbors were greeted with open arms as
they came, with many traveling long distances to attend.
Six former Ministers were present: the Reverends Philip “Skip”
Dunford, Dick Forbes and Julius Garbett, Dr. Kurtis Hess, Dr. William Morris and
the Reverend Don Wilkerson. The Sanctuary was filled to capacity, with standing
room only.
Elder William
Sprinkel welcomed everyone and opening remarks were made by Building Committee
members Miss Gladys Wonderley, Mr. John Bosserman, Mr. Daniel Shreckhise and
Capital Campaign Committee Chair, Miss Sally Fulton. Dr. William Phipps
commented on the church’s history during the twenty year ministry at Mount
Horeb of
his father, the Reverend Charles H. Phipps (1929-1949).
The Reverend Tom Hay, Shenandoah Presbytery’s Executive Presbyter was the
keynote speaker. Current Pastor, the Reverend Braxton Garriss led the Litany of
Dedication and former minister the Reverend Philip Dunford the benediction.
After the service, refreshments were served in the Fellowship Hall and everyone
received an opportunity to get re-acquainted with old friends. Tours of the
facility were also provided.
The new building
was designed to serve both the present and future congregations, with emphasis
on Christian Education and Community Service. With over twice the floor space of
the original building, it can accommodate a fully graded education program for
children and adults. The new and
larger fellowship hall, kitchen and parlor will serve families during weddings
and other family events. It also provides adequate space for new outreach
programs as they are developed and implemented.
Throughout
this ordeal, the Mount Horeb
congregation has
truly felt the power of the Lord working within their midst.
He first gave them a vision and then provided them with the resources and
encouragement to move forward. Today, with His help and with the generosity of
many people throughout the community, $915,000
in cash and pledges has been received toward the $1,300,000 remaining needed
(after insurance) to pay for these facilities.
We thank everyone who
continue their support as we work to enlarge the congregation and implement new
programs to minister more fully to the community.
