Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church will be dedicated on November 23.
The Catholic Church members persevered and will dedicate the new church building soon, following the devastating fire that destroyed the former building in August 2022.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church fire on August 29, 2022. Courtesy of Stephen Toal.
“We are having our first mass, a dedication mass, on Saturday, Nov 23 at 10 am,” said Mark McCoy, chairman of the church building committee. This mass is for parish members.
“The new church is looking beautiful and is in the same image and likeness of our previous church,” McCoy said
The regular mass services will begin on November 23 at 5:30 pm,
on Sunday, November 24 at 8 am and 10 am.
The members have been praying a special prayer each time they have services, for God’s guidance in the building of the church.
The prayer the Catholic Church has been praying during the church rebuild. Submitted photo.
“Having this prayer written by one of the rebuild committees was our first step,” McCoy said. “After each mass, since the fire and at gatherings and meetings, we have said that prayer.”
“Our parish members gave their time, talents and treasures to help with the rebuild.” McCoy said.
The artifacts of the church were all able to be brought back from the ashes, even the stained glass windows, McCoy said.
The cornerstone of the new Catholic Church in Fort Scott, states the church was established in 1860 and dedicated in 2024.
Restoration of the Artifacts
The professional restorer of the artifacts, Robert Elliot of Wichita, underestimated the time and cost of the restoration and started a donations account to meet the costs of time and labor of the years-long restoration.
Currently, $41,000 has been raised of the $65,000 restoration project, according to the GoFundMe page that Elliot set up.
“He wasn’t able to analyze all the depth of restoration or the artifacts at that time,” McCoy said in a prior interview. “We are so appreciative of the work he has taken on.”
One of the Stations of the Cross, following the devastating fire. Submitted photo.
When all of the stations and statues arrived at his studio, they were able to assess their condition and begin to comprehend the immense task they had undertaken, Elliot said in a prior interview.
All of the money allocated to the project was to cover the cost of labor, materials, studio rent, and insurance, he said.
One of the Stations of the Cross that was fully restored. Submitted photo.
“The Stations of the Cross and statues are completed and safely delivered and installed at the church,” Elliot said. “We succeeded in restoring every station and statue, restoring them to their original beauty and beyond.”
Elliot said a team of 34 artists, painters, apprentices, volunteers, and others helped with the 20-month project.
“We had four primary artists: Mary Francis Skinner – sculptor, painter; Kathy Faulkner – painter, researcher; Ian Snyder – painter; and myself, director/project manager, restorer, painter.
Three secondary painters: Leo and Jael Keesling, and Anna Gabriel
Two first assistant apprentices: Hector and Michael Ibarra
Four paid apprentices: John Suffield, Matan and Gabe Umbarger, Madi Brunke
Two former parishioners from MoQA, Fort Scott volunteers: Jane Clark and Pat Lowrance
Three Wichita State University Interns: Tiffany Tucker, Haylee Vu and Marshall Woodie
Three Bishop Carroll Catholic High School volunteer apprentices: Landon Whiterock and Luke Ramsick, and Amara Erwin
One homeschool high school age volunteer apprentice: Micheala Ferguson
Four Concordia AcademyHigh School volunteer apprentices: Sarah Lovett, Esther Postier, Amara Garfield, and Ryan Harms
Six volunteers: Roberta Sheahan, Maria Rice, John Killian, Kenna Alderson, Naphtali Garfield, and Sarah Erwin
One paid helper: Spencer Hoff
Our mold maker: Dan Ochs
In total, we had 34 people working on the project over the course of 20 months,” he said.
“We are still requesting donations until the end of the year to help offset our deficit at gofund.me/95a83e95 or directly to Mary Queen of Angels Church earmarked Stations and Statues Fund,” he said.
The stained glass window of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served along with a giveaway drawing!
Sunshine Boutique opened in 1981 by Georgia Brown and has been a cornerstone of Downtown for the past 43 years. Georgia recently officially transitioned ownership to one of her granddaughters, Rilie Creollo. Rilie is excited to continue the generational business, operating with the same amazing ideas and practices, although Georgia is still involved in ensuring the transition goes smoothly.
The kitchen room of Sunshine Boutique has a wide variety of coffees and gourmet treats. The back of the house is a floral design area where unique daily arrangements, corsage and boutonniere sets, wedding arrangements, and so much more are made. A $20 per month floral subscription, offering customers regular access to fresh blooms is also available. The boutique storefront has curated a wide selection of trendy clothing specific to each season.
Click here for their Facebook page for updates and upcoming events!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
The 36th annual Kiwanis Pioneers Chili Feed is today, November 19th at the First United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott.
A meal of the Pioneer’s signature chili, (the same recipe prepared since the chili feed’s inception) with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
A free-will donation (suggested minimum $8.00 donation per meal) will be collected at the door.
“All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County,” stated
Kiwanis Pioneer President Kelley Collins. “The annual fundraiser will be drive-through only. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy of the First United Methodist Church on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.”
Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.
This is the Kiwanis Pioneers major fundraiser for the year.
In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of Improving the world one child and one community at a time, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including college scholarships, Court Appointed Special Advocates (for children), the Backpack food program,
Fort Scott High School Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, foster children, Feeding Families in His Name, Care to Share,
and school reading and arts programs.
About Pioneer Kiwanis
They are a service organization helping the children of Bourbon County.
Recently they completed a project for the local Head Start Program that involved Fort Scott Community College Construction Trades class members.
Head Start Fort Scott now has two new picnic tables for picnics and art classes at their site at 409 S. Judson.
A recent project of the Pioneer KiwanisPictured are (seated) front row from left, Pioneer Kiwanis members Kelley Collins and Vickie Chaplin; SEK-CAP Child and Family Development Educator Janice Durbin and Marie Wheeler, cook; middle row (seated) Maggie Brenner and Marlene Braker (standing) of the Pioneer Kiwanis; back row from left, Fort Scott Community College construction trades instructor Jason Johnson and students.
Members of the Pioneer Kiwanis club, SEK-CAP representatives, students in Fort Scott High School’s construction trades program, and their instructor pose for a photo, above, during the presentation of the two picnic tables to the SEK-CAP Head Start program this month.
Volunteers are needed in Fort Scott as meal servers and meal delivery drivers for the Southeast Kansas Agency on Aging 60+ nutrition program. The positions are open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Call Deb Stewart at 620-305-1539 for any questions.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the
Annual Christmas Parade
Thursday, December 5th
Downtown Fort Scott @ 6pm
The parade theme this year will be
“A Storybook Christmas”
The Chamber is calling all participants including businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals to enter the parade. There is no cost to register a float, golf cart, foot unit, band, horse unit, car, or other entry.
The parade is being sponsored by Briggs Auto.
Cash prizes will be awarded for overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place entries.
Entries may be made online at fortscott.com under the events tab, or by picking up a form at the Chamber office, 231 E. Wall Street. Entry deadline is Tuesday, December 3rd at 1pm.
The parade route will start at Wall & National, go south to 3rd St., turn left to Main St., then north on Main to Skubitz Plaza where the parade will end at the Mayor’s Christmas Tree.
Additional activities that evening will include:
* Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree
* Holiday Fireworks
*Photos with Santa at the Mayor’s Christmas Tree
*The Holiday Market Booths open from 5 to 10pm
* The Parkway Church of God Holiness – across from the Mayor’s Tree selling kettle corn
The 2nd Annual Christmas on the Bricks Festival will continue that weekend, and the full schedule may be found by clicking here!
CHAMBER ANNOUNCES ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE
Thursday, December 5th, 2024 at 6pm
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Annual Christmas Parade will be held Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Downtown Fort Scott starting at 6 pm.
The parade theme this year will be “A Storybook Christmas”. The Chamber is calling all participants including businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals to enter the parade.
There is no cost to register a float, golf cart, foot unit, band, horse unit, car, or other entry. The parade is being sponsored by Briggs Auto and cash prizes will be awarded for overall 1 st , 2 nd ,
and 3 rd place entries.
Entries may be made online at fortscott.com under the events tab, or by picking up a form at the Chamber office, 231 E. Wall Street. Entry deadline is Tuesday, December 3rd at 1pm.
The parade route will start at Wall & National, go south to 3rd St., turn left to Main St., then north on Main to Skubitz Plaza where the parade will end at the Mayor’s Christmas Tree.
Additional activities that evening will include the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree immediately following the parade, Holiday Fireworks, and photos with Santa at the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. The Holiday Market Booths for Christmas on the Bricks will also be open from 5 to 10 pm that evening with eight vendors, and the Parkway Church of God Holiness will be across from the Mayor’s Tree selling kettle corn.
The 2nd Annual Christmas on the Bricks Festival will continue that weekend, and the full schedule may be found at fortscott.com/Christmas-on-the-bricks.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
November 19, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Roll Call
Tim VanHoecke, Matthew Wells, Dyllon Olson, Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Approval of Agenda
Consent Agenda
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1372-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of October 30, 2024 – November 12, 2024 – $375,039.73
Approval of Minutes for November 5, 2024, Regular City Commission Meeting and November 12, 2024, Special City Commission Meeting.
Request to Pay – Invoice 17652 – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – 24-414 Horton St. & 6th Improvements – $42,906.90
Request to Pay – Invoice 17662 – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Pay Request No. 7 – EEI 23-015A – 6 KA-6898-01 US-54 CCLIP Phase I – $9,645.19
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3776 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FORT SCOTT STORMWATER USER CHARGE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3757 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.24.121.
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3777 – AN ORDINANCE SETTING NEW WATER RATES AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3758 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.04.030.
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3778 – AN ORDINANCE INCREASING THE BASIC MONTHLLY CHARGE FOR SANITARY SEWER RATES IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT BY AMENDING CHAPTER 13.24.100 AND 13.24.110 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3759.
October Financials
VII. Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VIII. Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting
you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.
Heck & Wicker and Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc.– Available to answer questions regarding Horton St. & 6th St. Improvement Project.
Unfinished Business
Status of Building at 118 E. Wall– L. Kruger
New Business
Public Hearing:
Resolution No. 31-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1105 S. SCOTT – Tabled from October 15, 2024 – L. Kruger
Action Items:
Consideration of Olsson’s Proposal for Design and Bidding Services for the FSK Lighting & RSA Grading Project – M. Wyatt
Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – 24 S. National – Paint color approval – Recommended by Design Review Board on November 12, 2024.
Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – 17 S. Main – Move Sign – Recommended by Design Review Board on November 12, 2024.
Consideration of 2025 Holiday Schedule for the City of Fort Scott – Matkin
Discussion to Replace/Refurbish 1997 E-One Pumper Truck – D. Bruner
Water Leak Notice: The City of Fort Scott has a bad water main break on 12th Street between Main and National. This street will be closed until the leak is fixed. Additional updates to follow.
Robert Coon with A1 Towing and Recovery unloads the new ice skating rink materials at the Gathering Place Pavilion on North National Avenue on the afternoon of November 15.
The ice skating rink will be open during the Christmas On The Bricks festival Dec. 5-8, and will cost $5 per person to skate.
The current First Presbyterian Church building is at 308 S. Crawford. Submitted photo.
The First Presbyterian Church is celebrating 165 years in the Fort Scott community.
“A special worship service will be held Sunday, November 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the church, with a celebration fellowship in the parlor afterward,” said Pastor Sarah Gengler.
Pastor Sarah Gengler. Submitted photo.
“Through the years, First Presbyterian has been blessed with 11 installed pastors, as well as two installed associate pastors,” Gengler said.
The current congregation members were deeply committed to continuing worship and ministry outreach while searching for a new pastor recently, according to information provided by Gengler. Twenty-three different members volunteered at least once, to preach a sermon during their Sunday morning worship. On February 1, 2024, the congregation gratefully welcomed their newest pastor, Rev. Sarah Gengler. Rev. Gengler has been in ministry for 10 years and moved here from Minnesota.
Currently, there are 134 members and worship service is 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
Pastor Gengler provided some of the outreaches of the church:
“First Presbyterian Church volunteers to cook and serve a meal for the Feeding Families Program at the Methodist church on the 4th Wednesday of every month.
There are two different adult Faith Formation classes beginning at 9:15 and 9:30 a.m. As well as “Waffles and Jesus” in the Zimmerman Hall dining room at 9:15 a.m., where a hot breakfast is prepared by church volunteers, and then class is held for children grades Kindergarten through 9th.
“The church co-hosts Vacation Bible School each summer with First United Methodist Church
“We hold a friendly competition between us and First United Methodist Church each year to see who can raise the most pounds of food for the Beacon Food Pantry.
“The Presbyterian Women’s organization directs a long-ago gift known as the Hack Memorial Fund, which helps those with the greatest need in Fort Scott. Included in the scope of this ministry are assistance with utilities, rent, and some medical and dental needs, all requests are received and recommended through the Beacon, Bourbon County’s food pantry.”
“The church remains active in the community,” she said. “Members are hosting two special showings of The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever at Fort Scott Cinema. Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tell them First Presbyterian sent you!”
“The church will be holding a community-wide service of remembrance called Blue Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 8,” she said. “People are invited to join us at 2 p.m. for a time devoted to remembering those we love, and whose loss is felt more deeply this time of year.”
History of the church, provided by Pastor Gengler:
In the summer of 1859, a church-planting Presbyterian missionary, the Reverend Alexander Taylor Rankin of Buffalo, New York, was sent to Kansas by the Presbyterian General Assembly, according to information provided by Gengler. He officially organized the First Presbyterian Church on November 17th, 1859, with three members. In the first few years after its inception members met in each other’s homes for worship. Reverend George C. Irvin became the first installed pastor in 1865. The foundation for the first church was laid in 1864, where the present-day Cheney-Witt Carriage House now stands at the southeast corner of Third and Main. The church building was completed in 1865.
The first building of the First Presbyterian Church was at Third and Main Street. Submitted photo.
In 1888 the second church was constructed on the current property at 308 S. Crawford St., to accommodate the growing congregation.
By early 1920’s the congregation again recognized that it needed more space. The 1888 building was razed and the third church was built, laying its corner stone in 1924. The 100-year-old building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
The second building of the First Presbyterian Church was located at the current site, 308 S. Crawford. Submitted photo.
The First Presbyterian Church has participated in many different ministries over the years, including youth groups, sewing groups, Presbyterian Women, the Methodists’ Feeding Families program, the Beacon Food Pantry, Sunday Serve events where congregation members completed service projects in the community, and Vacation Bible School, according to information provided by Gengler.
