Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

January 16, 2008, Front page

Transcribed by Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon.

A Special Sunday:

UCC renovation project dedicated

Members of the Neillsville United Church of Christ enjoyed a special morning worship service this past Sunday, one which included the much-anticipated dedication of a major remodeling project recently completed in the church building.

The UCC Building/Remodeling Project’s priorities included an elevator from the main floor to the lower level and the expansion of what had been the cramped front entryway.

There’s been a sweeping change in the church interior starting from that front area, as the pastor’s office was relocated to where the lounge had previously been and the church secretary’s office shifted over to fill the vacated area.  Additional bathrooms were added to the lower level of the church and the existing bathroom on the upper level was redesigned to be handicapped-accessible.

The original cost projections were about $170,000; however additional items including redoing the roof over the offices to prevent water damage and redecorating of a relocated nursery added another $15,000 to the project cost, according to Doris Bakker, chairperson of the UCC Board of Trustees.

Bakker said that funding of the renovation came from donations – not only from the members of the congregation, but from the surrounding community, as well.  The Corn Maze event held at the Russell and Susie Karl farm last fall and the UCC’s Christmas Tour of Homes in early December drew large turnouts that were much appreciated, Bakker said.

The renovation that began on February 7, 2007 was completed last September.  A special Service of Thanksgiving was held to honor builders and professional workers.

This week, UCC Pastor James Mohr recalled it was a special occasion.  “I was very impressed with the positive spirit,” he said.

Pastor Mohr said the formal dedication last Sunday honored all the volunteers who worked to tirelessly, including those on the Fundraising, Building and Decorating committees.

UCC’s congregation of 350 members is not looking forward to celebrating the start of the church’s 50^th anniversary next year.

The new narthex of the Neillsville United Church of Christ gives the church building located at the corner of 2^nd and Park streets a much more spacious entryway.  The elevator (background) to the lower level was another part of the long list of upgrades and changes that were noted in a special dedication ceremony during the worship service this past Sunday.