Demolition considered for old church building

The Kansas East Conference of the United Methodist Church intends to tear down the 1890s-era former church sanctuary building it owns at 700 S.E. Lime.

But Topekans interested in historic preservation hope to start a dialogue targeted at saving the structure from the wrecking ball and once again making it a productive part of East Topeka.

The citys governing body, consisting of the nine council members and Mayor Larry Wolgast, plans to accept public comments and consider authorizing the buildings demolition when it meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday in its chambers at 214 S.E. 8th.

The Kansas East Conference hopes to raze the structure, which Topeka planning officials think was constructed in 1890. Topekan Sarah Bremer Parks whose father, Paul Bremer, was the churchs pastor from 1964 to 1969 says the sanctuary was built in 1896.

The sanctuary was used for services until the church ended them last year because of declining membership. The church had 36 members when it officially closed July 1, while average attendance at services was 16, said Kay Scarbrough, Topeka District superintendent for the Kansas East Conference of the United Methodist Church,

The church continues to use, and isnt seeking to demolish, an adjacent annex that houses a fellowship and faith ministry started in 1960 to aid the needy.

The sanctuary building has functioned without water and service services since the annex was built in the late 1950s or early 1960s.

Scarbrough said Monday, The building is in disrepair, and there is an estimated cost of $143,000 to repair the structure, which includes the foundation, the floor joists, the roof and the electrical system.

She said the Kansas East Conference thinks the money it would take to repair the church would be better spent reaching out to the East Topeka community in other ways.

Scarbrough added that members of the churchs congregation sent a letter to the Kansas East Conference saying they didnt want to see the sanctuary sit there and deteriorate further.

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Demolition considered for old church building