LAPEL — The final chapter in a more than century-long history was written Monday with the demolition of Ford Street United Methodist Church in Lapel.
The church has occupied its place at 925 Ford St. since 1891, when the first sanctuary was built.
“There’s a lot of sentiment tied into all the experiences people have had here,” Pastor Mark Helm told The Herald Bulletin. “This is where people have had weddings, funerals and baptisms. It’s a sad thing to have to give that place up.”
In 2004, church officials learned of structural problems with the sanctuary roof and made short-term repairs. But in April, church services moved to the auditorium at Lapel High School.
Thirty-two pastors have served the church since 1890. Helm has served the congregation since June 2001.
A building and planning committee was formed and has been searching for a new home to erect a new sanctuary. Ford Street Childcare Ministry is expected to remain open.
Journey of Faith
Ford Street United Methodist Church, 925 Ford St. in Lapel, has more than 100 years of history in Madison County. The rise and fall of a house of worship:
• 1890 — Lapel First united Brethren is founded with 22 members after a tent revival; services are held in Fishersburg and Lapel school buildings
• 1891 — The church’s first sanctuary, a wood-frame building, is built on the current site
• 1917 — A brick edifice is constructed after fire destroyed the wooden church
• 1946 — The church become known as Lapel First Evangelical United Brethren Church after a denominational merger
• 1968 — A merger between the Evangelical United Brethren and the Methodist Church results in a new name: Ford Street United Methodist Church
• 1969 — Smith Hall education wing and gymnasium added in honor of Harry Smith, pastor from 1959 to 1979
• 2004 — Building and planning committee formed in response to the discovery of roof problems
• Aug. 25, 2008 — Sanctuary demolished
Home News (ADS ONLY)
Related Photos
-
John P. Cleary
-
John P. Cleary
Discussion
August 25, 2008
9:13 p.m.: Lapel church demolished
- Home News (ADS ONLY)
-
-
Photo gallery: AU vs Mount Saint Joseph Baseball
Photos from the baseball double header and senior night for Anderson University and Mount Saint Joseph on 5/7/10.
-
Comedian Harland Williams coming to Paramount
LOS ANGELES — Canadian Harland Williams was enjoying winter in Southern California. “It’s beautiful out,” said Williams, 47, familiar from roles in films like “Dumb & Dumber” and “There’s Something About Mary.” “A bit cold, but is 65 cold? I’ll take this cold any day, thank you.” Williams, whose Indiana performances have been exclusive to Crackers in Broad Ripple, will take the stage at the Paramount on Friday, April 2.
-
Nancy Wood back in Anderson, with ASO
ANDERSON — Nancy Wood stared into the glass vase, full of clear water, with the bare roots of a plant dangling down into it.
-
Auction deal for buyers, not for owners
ANDERSON — An auction held Saturday at a former, popular cabinet manufacturer resulted in deals for local woodwork hobbyists and businesses, but earned less than the new owners hoped for.
-
Ann Duran on the air in Madison County
DALEVILLE — As a child, radio personality Ann Duran remembers her father calling her his mini-Barbara Walters.
-
Weights, measures officials protect consumers
ANDERSON — Whether consumers are filling up their cars’ gas tanks, buying a gallon of milk or drying clothes at a laundromat, one man in Anderson makes sure they always get their money’s worth.
-
AHS rocking to 'Schoolhouse Rock Live!'
ANDERSON, Ind. — With the end of the school year quickly approaching, Anderson High School Performing Arts students are springing into a favorite pastime. With the help of their director of six years, Tiffany Jackson, the group of 12 is putting on a musical, “Schoolhouse Rock Live!”
-
Anderson native to lead county ghost tour
ANDERSON — Growing up in Madison County, Nicole Kobrowski liked to visit some of the area’s creepier places, such as Moss Island Road just west of the city.
-
Sidewalk Prophets looking for a Dove
Sidewalk Prophets know how to please a crowd when they sing Christian pop at concerts across the nation.
Now, they’d like fans to reciprocate to help the band win a Dove Award. -
At Home: Project a bonding experience
PENDLETON — When a four-year project goes on for seven years, the result is often a strained marriage.
- More Home News (ADS ONLY) Headlines
-
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
