A Perfect Light
Donation protected
IMPORTANT CLARIFICATIONS
What does "a fundraiser for Nancy Mesman" mean? Nancy is the Springfield UCC's treasurer, and as such is the only person authorized to withdraw GoFundMe contributions for deposit into the church's account. The statement is part of GoFundMe's standard language. Sorry for any confusion, and thank you to the donor who brought it to my attention.
Who gets the "tip" if I include one with my donation? This completely slipped past me. You all probably noticed a line where you can add a percentage or dollar amount tip. I hope everyone entered 0 here. I learned today that "tips" go to GoFundMe, not to the fundraiser. If you erroneously added a tip that you would now like to reverse, please let me know. Thank you again to the donor who asked!
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The 150-year-old United Church of Christ (UCC) in Springfield, SD, is hoping for a little help as it takes the steps necessary to protect the church building's century-old stained glass windows. Attached are photos that reflect the stark contrast between the windows' interior beauty and their exterior deteriorating condition.
The Springfield UCC's history is as rich as the perfect light that streams through its windows. It was the first religious organization in the community, the first Congregational church in Bon Homme County, and the fifth oldest Congregational church in the entire state of South Dakota.
Like all pioneer churches, the Springfield UCC had a precarious existence for several years. Meetings were held irregularly and in any empty building -- a tin shop, a loft over a carpenter shop, the lumber yard, a hay loft, in homes, and finally in the hall over what later became the post office.
By the summer of 1874, there was great interest in obtaining an actual house of worship, but because of the grasshopper infestation it would be another eight years until the dream became a reality. The little church outdrew its walls several times, and eventually the congregation built the current UCC building with its dark brown brick walls and glorious stained glass windows. At some point (some estimate it to be 50 years ago), one of the skilled church members built storm windows with plexiglass and wood frames to protect the massive windows -- and the congregants inside -- from the harsh elements outside.
Over the last 100 years, tornadoes, blizzards, floods, the closing of the town's only college and high school, the shuttering of many businesses on Main Street, and the withering farm economy have taken their toll. Congregational numbers have dwindled significantly, particularly with the loss of the college and high school faculty and staff. The storm windows are in ruins. The plexiglass has become dull, yellow and opaque, and the panes have fallen away from the splintering wood frames, putting the stained glass windows themselves in peril, which in turn jeopardizes the interior walls of the church. Heating and cooling expenses are, quite literally, through the roof.
The church council has secured a bid of $43,023 to remove and replace the exterior covering on 18 stained glass windows with 1/4" plate glass and enamel-coated steel trim. Work will begin in the next few weeks, and the initial one-third payment will be due at that time. Our small but devoted congregation will struggle to pay the entire cost by ourselves, and sincerely hopes you will consider supporting us through a monetary donation of any size, special prayers, and/or visits to our Sunday morning worship services.
From our hearts to yours, thank you. May God bless and keep you, all the days of your life.
____________________________
And for anyone who is considering relocation, the town of Springfield is located on top of the bluffs where the Missouri River flows into scenic Lewis and Clark Lake. The rolling hills that follow this water line are a beautiful sight any time of year. Hunting, fishing and camping abound. Springfield's golf course overlooks the lake and has been named the most beautiful nine-hole course in South Dakota. Looking toward Nebraska across the lake, the sun catches the bluffs in various contrasts of light and shadow throughout the day -- the same beautiful sun that shines through these stained glass windows, illuminating the message of God's perfect and unconditional love in our lives.
What does "a fundraiser for Nancy Mesman" mean? Nancy is the Springfield UCC's treasurer, and as such is the only person authorized to withdraw GoFundMe contributions for deposit into the church's account. The statement is part of GoFundMe's standard language. Sorry for any confusion, and thank you to the donor who brought it to my attention.
Who gets the "tip" if I include one with my donation? This completely slipped past me. You all probably noticed a line where you can add a percentage or dollar amount tip. I hope everyone entered 0 here. I learned today that "tips" go to GoFundMe, not to the fundraiser. If you erroneously added a tip that you would now like to reverse, please let me know. Thank you again to the donor who asked!
___________________________________________________________
The 150-year-old United Church of Christ (UCC) in Springfield, SD, is hoping for a little help as it takes the steps necessary to protect the church building's century-old stained glass windows. Attached are photos that reflect the stark contrast between the windows' interior beauty and their exterior deteriorating condition.
The Springfield UCC's history is as rich as the perfect light that streams through its windows. It was the first religious organization in the community, the first Congregational church in Bon Homme County, and the fifth oldest Congregational church in the entire state of South Dakota.
Like all pioneer churches, the Springfield UCC had a precarious existence for several years. Meetings were held irregularly and in any empty building -- a tin shop, a loft over a carpenter shop, the lumber yard, a hay loft, in homes, and finally in the hall over what later became the post office.
By the summer of 1874, there was great interest in obtaining an actual house of worship, but because of the grasshopper infestation it would be another eight years until the dream became a reality. The little church outdrew its walls several times, and eventually the congregation built the current UCC building with its dark brown brick walls and glorious stained glass windows. At some point (some estimate it to be 50 years ago), one of the skilled church members built storm windows with plexiglass and wood frames to protect the massive windows -- and the congregants inside -- from the harsh elements outside.
Over the last 100 years, tornadoes, blizzards, floods, the closing of the town's only college and high school, the shuttering of many businesses on Main Street, and the withering farm economy have taken their toll. Congregational numbers have dwindled significantly, particularly with the loss of the college and high school faculty and staff. The storm windows are in ruins. The plexiglass has become dull, yellow and opaque, and the panes have fallen away from the splintering wood frames, putting the stained glass windows themselves in peril, which in turn jeopardizes the interior walls of the church. Heating and cooling expenses are, quite literally, through the roof.
The church council has secured a bid of $43,023 to remove and replace the exterior covering on 18 stained glass windows with 1/4" plate glass and enamel-coated steel trim. Work will begin in the next few weeks, and the initial one-third payment will be due at that time. Our small but devoted congregation will struggle to pay the entire cost by ourselves, and sincerely hopes you will consider supporting us through a monetary donation of any size, special prayers, and/or visits to our Sunday morning worship services.
From our hearts to yours, thank you. May God bless and keep you, all the days of your life.
____________________________
And for anyone who is considering relocation, the town of Springfield is located on top of the bluffs where the Missouri River flows into scenic Lewis and Clark Lake. The rolling hills that follow this water line are a beautiful sight any time of year. Hunting, fishing and camping abound. Springfield's golf course overlooks the lake and has been named the most beautiful nine-hole course in South Dakota. Looking toward Nebraska across the lake, the sun catches the bluffs in various contrasts of light and shadow throughout the day -- the same beautiful sun that shines through these stained glass windows, illuminating the message of God's perfect and unconditional love in our lives.
Organizer and beneficiary
Cindy Tolsma
Organizer
Springfield, SD
Nancy Mesman
Beneficiary