Contributed by St. Luke’s Auxiliary
On Saturday, Oct. 7, take a break from your usual routine with a ride out in one of the most beautiful parts of our state and join St Luke’s Auxiliary for its annual old-fashioned hymn sing and raffle starting at 10:30 a.m.
The location is 30013 Oxford Road, Elroy. While there, take time to enjoy the recently installed historic sign and the peaceful gardens surrounding it. Trees should be bursting with color in the rolling hills out in the country.
This church, built in 1898 and dedicated in 1899, played a big role in uniting the early settlers in this community and their descendants until it was forced to close in 1987.
Since then, a small group of people with ties to it have dedicated many hours to once again make it structurally sound while retaining most of the original fixtures and look.
Upon entering, you will notice wedding and confirmation pictures lining the walls. Take time to appreciate the original embossed tin ceiling and the architectural windows, many of which have the old poured glass still intact. You can pick out the ones installed by the early members by the slight waves in the glass.
The pews crack and creak when you sit on them, as they have for over 100 years. The altar and pulpit were redesigned and built in the 1940s by one of the former pastors.
The antique ceiling lights were installed at about the same time. The original wide-plank grey floors were uncovered early in the restoration process and contain a small knothole on the south side that the son of one of the early pastors still remembers poking things down through when he became restless during the services.
Recently, an antique pump organ dating back to about 1905 was donated by descendants of early members and is on display inside.
The Auxiliary does a community event twice a year in the building, and it is occasionally used for a small wedding or funeral. The spring event is done on Memorial Day to honor the veterans buried in the cemetery. The Kendall Legion does a military salute promptly at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service and a community social hour. The Legion has done its part for almost as long as the church and cemetery have been located at 30013 Oxford Road. The Auxiliary added the service and reception shortly after the restoration began.
The other event is done in the fall, currently the first Saturday in October, to show off the beautiful fall colors on display and accommodate a community gathering. Recently, that has been an old-fashioned hymn sing and fundraiser to allow for the continuation of the restoration and preservation of the building. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy this little piece of local history.
