Wednesday, February 01, 2023

HONORING THE LEGACY OF FRANKLIN GROVE

The district is invited to gather at Franklin Grove Church of the Brethren (121 W. North St.) at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, for a farewell service. Franklin Grove, one of the oldest congregations in the district, held its last regular service on Dec. 24 after voting earlier in the fall to close. The building has been sold to a local group that plans to use it as a school, preserving many of its features, and the sale is expected to close in mid-March.

This time of worship, prayer, singing, and remembering will be an opportunity to honor Franklin Grove’s legacy in the district and denomination and provide some measure of closure for those who have been connected to it over the years. District conference will officially act on closure of the congregation in November.

Franklin Grove held a successful rummage sale earlier this month to sell some of the many items at the church, from kitchenware to books to banners, raising more than $7,000. An additional “half-price sale” took place on Feb. 10.

A group from the church will continue to oversee and care for the nearby Emmert Cemetery and chapel as a separately incorporated board. The chapel will be available to use for functions in the future as needed. Our prayers are with all the members and friends of Franklin Grove in this time of endings and transition.