Final Worship Service in the Sanctuary ~ August 9, 2009 10:30 a.m.

On Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 10:30 a.m., the congregation of John Knox Presbyterian Church held the final worship service in the old sanctuary. Below is some of the text that was included in the bulletin from that service. Also included are some of the photos from this historical event in the life of our church.

On June 28, 1964, ground was broken to build the current sanctuary at John Knox Presbyterian Church. For forty-five years, this building has been a space for people to come together to know God’s presence through worship. Soon after the first service in the sanctuary, the first children were baptized on December 20, 1964 (Stephen Edward Overbay and Thomas Michael Jensen). Three months later, the first service of witness to the resurrection was held for Eva Moors on February 13, 1965. And the first wedding took place on June 22, 1965, between Charles William Simon and Wanda May Wheeler.

There have been many changes to this space over its lifetime. The two most notable changes were the expansion of the sanctuary to the east in 1974, and the addition of the Holloway Organ in 1981. Throughout this church’s lifetime, people have witnessed the love of Christ in this space during times of joy, grief, challenge, and hope. While today marks the end of our use of this particular space, the memories we carry with us from this space will never leave us. We are grateful for the men and women who came before us, who through God’s wisdom and guidance provided such a significant space where people could worship the living, loving God. Now, we only hope we can emulate their faithfulness and commitment as we humbly follow our calling to build a new worship space which will meet our congregation’s needs in the decades to come.

Click on photo to enlarge.