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Relocation
of old church appears promising
Things look promising for the
relocation of Trinity Lutheran Church from its rural home nine miles
south of Manning to the crest of a hill within Manning’s Hausbarn
Heritage Park.
Since the project was initially announced in July 2005, a TLC Relocation
Committee has been spreading the word and seeking donations. As 2005
was drawing to a close, approximately one-half of the $100,000 needed
for the project had been raised.
“We had a tremendous month during December. A lot of folks gave a
lot of gifts and we had a real nice run. We’re right around $75,000
now,” said committee member Rick Lohrmann. “We’re getting close to
the goal.”
The committee has been getting contractors lined up and is hoping
to give the project a “go-ahead” at their Feb. 8 meeting; however
they are waiting to hear from movers.
“We have general estimates from two moving companies, but neither
of the movers has looked at the church at its location or the route
that we are going to move it on,” Lohrmann said. “It all revolves
around the funding. That’s going to tell the story.”
Site preparation plans call for the church to be located south of
the Hausbarn Konferenz Centre where a basement will be constructed.
A road will be built on the west side of the existing parking lot
for the Konferenz Centre and a small parking lot for the church has
been factored into the plans.
The committee’s goal has been to get the church moved and in place
before Manning’s Quasquicentennial celebration in June. The idea of
seeing the beautiful old church with its 90-foot steeple in the park
has a lot of people excited.
“I’m just totally tickled and happy for the folks at Trinity. They
have really come onboard to support this project. There are a lot
of people who have connection to that church and they want to preserve
the heritage,” said Lohrmann.
Donations are still needed. People wishing to help preserve the historic
church may send tax-deductible contributions, payable to “TLC Relocation,”
to TLC Relocation, P.O. Box 211, Manning, IA 51455. Donations of $500
or more will be acknowledged at the new location. Gifts can also be
given in memory or honor of loved ones.
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