Loading...The need for a steeple had been felt by the people of St. Thomas since the church itself was built in 1968. Planning and fund-raising for this challenging project was begun during one of their first centennial planning meetings when parishioner Dave Pearson suggested installing the steeple as a major project for the celebration.
Kevin Link was asked by the Rev. Mike Lager, St. Thomas' rector, and Senior Warden George Boyd to head the Steeple Committee, and he immediately "took the ball and started running," setting a timetable for fundraising, getting people involved and inspired.
The committee quickly decided to order an aluminum steeple made by Campbellsville Industries of Campbellsville, Ky. The next step was to set up a series of fundraising events to meet the goal of $15,000 by June. Events included a chili cook-off, a formal dinner and barbershop concert sponsored by the St. Thomas Bridge Club and the Under the Hill Gang (a senior group), an ice cream social, and the sale of a centennial cookbook.
Once a building permit was approved by the city, the parish met and voted on the steeple design they liked best. When work began, the Under the Hill Gang made a trip to Campbellsville to view progress on the steeple. While they were there, "gang" members were permitted to write their names on the top of the steeple, which was covered the following week.
On Oct. 3 the truck bearing the steeple arrived. Members of the congregation watched with great excitement as the crane lifted the steeple with its 3 foot cross to the roof. All agreed it was absolutely beautiful.
The Centennial Homecoming Celebration will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1. The Rev. Dr. Georgine Buckwalter (associate rector 1992-1996) will be the keynote speaker. Bishop David Reed will be celebrant and preacher at the Homecoming Eucharist on Sunday, Dec. 2. These two events are a culmination of the work of the Centennial Committee, chaired by Rita Osborn-Young.
A Centennial celebration is a momentous event for any organization. St. Thomas, the twelfth largest parish in the Diocese of Kentucky, is preparing for further growth as they begin a second century of ministry. The faithfulness of those who call St. Thomas their spiritual home makes this a successful church. They are "building together on a century of faith."
