meeting at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. But on Sunday, they met in the parking lot adjacent to the church to say their goodbyes and to look forward to the day when they would move into the church’s new location on Airport Road in the former Italian-American Club.
“For me this a closure of the last year — both personal and the life of the church,” said elder church member Gail Thornton who lost her home during Charley. “We can really move ahead now as individuals and as a church.”
In 1885, a group of 11 Presbyterians came together with a common dream of starting a church in downtown Punta Gorda. In 1900, the construction of the church — located on West Marion Avenue at Harvey Street — began. On April 14, 1901, it opened its doors.
In 1960, Hurricane Donna wreaked a bit of havoc on the church, toppling its steeple. The congregation decided to rebuild the church, making it an A-frame, contemporary-styled
building which cost $70,000.
“The church continued to grow by faith then,” said the Rev. Stephen Mock. “It’s not easy to leave this property and the history here... the church is mortar and bricks. It’s a shell. We are the church.”
Dr. Robert Kiskaddon and his wife, Joyce, have attended the church for 21 years. The couple said they will miss the church but neither felt sad. “It’s wonderful, inspiring and hopeful,” Joyce said. “The new church will open up opportunities for more service,” Robert said, agreeing with his wife.
The new church is expected to be finished in February or March of 2006. Until then, services will continue to be held at Burnt Store Presbyterian.
You can e-mail author Alyssa Schnugg at schnugg@sun-herald.com. |
