Westminster Finishes Remodeling

Thu., Sept. 19, 1996

Nina Culver Correspondent

Westminster Congregational United Church of Christ has just completed a five-month remodeling project designed to make the church, at 411 S. Washington, more modern and more accessible to the handicapped.

A handicap-accessible elevator was installed and ramps were put in throughout the church. Some restrooms are now wheelchair accessible.

Gordon Ruehl, a members of the Westminster board of trustees, said, “It’s the trend. We really have to make these things more accessible.”

While remodeling, church trustees also decided to do a little redecorating, says Ruehl. The walls are freshly painted, and some special-order carpet is due to arrive in about a month.

The project will cost nearly $400,000 by the time the carpet is installed, Ruehl says. The money was raised entirely by church members through a combination of donations and a pledge drive.

A spaghetti feast will be held Sunday after the 10:30 a.m. service to help celebrate the improvements.

Sunday school classes will be in charge of decorations. Fifth-, sixth- and seventh-graders will perform a skit.

Tickets are $12 for a family of four or $3.50 per person. To purchase in advance, call the church office at 624-1366.

Proceeds will be used for children’s events, possibly including a camping trip and a vacation Bible school.

Literary class launched

The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 127 E 12th, has just begun a new literary class called “Between the Lines.”

Participants will read short stories and essays by contemporary authors such as Alice Walker and Annie Dillard and search for God’s message.

The free class meets every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon and also from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Anyone interested should call the church office at 838-4277.

Harpist to perform

Manito United Methodist Church will feature a harpist at its 11 a.m. service on Sunday at 3220 S. Grand Blvd. Harpist Leslie Stratton Norris, now of Coeur d’Alene, has performed with the Ohio Chamber Orchestra, Cleveland Opera and the Cleveland Ballet.

At 6 p.m. Sunday there will be a potluck open to anyone who wishes to attend. Beverages and table service will be provided by the church.

The dinner will be followed by a concert by Norris at 7 p.m. A freewill offering will be collected.

Church yard sale scheduled

Centenary United Methodist Church will hold a huge yard sale Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the church grounds at 1012 S. Freya.

All items for sale have been donated by church members and include clothing, furniture and household items.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.