Church Completes Restoration Manito Methodist Invests In Major Repairs To Cutter-Designed Building
Manito United Methodist Church has undergone a major face lift.
How major?
More than $63,000 went toward repairs of the Renaissance-style church designed by noted Spokane architect Kirtland Cutter and built more than 70 years ago at the corner of 33rd and Grand Boulevard.
The reason for the extensive restoration?
The building housing the sanctuary was in dire need of repair and updating.
The Rev. John Shaffer, who became pastor at Manito Methodist 11 weeks ago, said most of the damage had nearly reached the point of being irreparable.
“I just know that they (the church’s trustees) were very concerned, and that they were told if they didn’t do it now, it would get so bad that it would not be repairable,” said Shaffer. “Our expert said we had five to six years before being beyond repair.”
The church’s exterior required multiple repairs. Bricks were bulging, some were missing, several were deteriorating, and mortar was crumbling.
Stained-glass windows needed to be reinforced.
Inside, the church needed a new coat of paint, carpet and a variety of other work.
Plus, the entire entryway, including the steps and doors, needed fixing.
Various other improvements were needed, too, such as excavation of the parking lots to install proper drainage systems.
Last October, the church board of trustees approved a $63,000 plan to restore the building, designed with the Church of St. Francis of Assisi as inspiration.
Parishioners footed the entire bill and raised an additional $11,000.
Work began last May and continued into September.
“I saw the church in April, before it was done,” said Shaffer, who was a missionary in Alaska for 33 years before moving to Spokane. “It looks newer, brighter. I could tell the difference, just from the exterior.
“I feel fortunate to come to a church that’s feeling so up about itself.”
A celebration to mark the completion of the restoration effort was held Sept. 24.
Chapel dedication planned
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 5720 S. Perry, will dedicate a chapel and bless pets at 10 a.m. Sunday during a St. Francis Day Celebration.
The public is invited to bring their pets for a blessing, says the Rev. Bob Dunn, church pastor. It’s requested the animals be on leashes or in pet containers.
The Rt. Rev. Frank Jeff Terry, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane, will dedicate the church’s new outdoor meditation chapel and celebrate Holy Eucharist.
The recently completed chapel sits atop a knoll overlooking a valley. The open, wooden structure has a small altar and seating for 30 people, Dunn says. The chapel will be used for small-group prayer, meditation, special worship services, weddings and youth activities.
The chapel’s $15,000 cost was donated by a church member. Don Neraas was the architect.
Rosary march today
The second-annual Rosary March, held in connection with the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary, will be today at 2 p.m. The walk, which will wind through Riverfront Park, will begin near the Spokane Arena.
A multitude of intentions will be prayed for: the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, establishment of the reign of Christ the King, restoration of the traditional family, and public reparation of sin.
Omega Ministries banquet
The Omega Neighborhood Outreach Ministries will host its fifth anniversary banquet Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at the Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute, 4000 W. Randolph.
All proceeds benefit Omega’s community services, which include emergency food assistance, advocacy assistance, information and referral, child programs and other services.
Entertainment will be provided by David Hardin. Cost is $15 a person. Tickets are available at the door.