Stained Glass Window

Submitted by: Connie Essig Stained glass window of Tampico Methodist Church

Sterling Standard - April 2, 1904

TO REMODEL CHURCH PLANS BEING PREPARED TO IMPROVE AND INCREASE SEATING CAPACITY OF EDIFICE AT TAMPICO

Plans and specifications are being secured from the different contractors at Tampico for the complete remodeling of the Methodist church at that place. The plan as contemplated is to build additions onthe east and west sides of the church and also on the south end. The addition on the west side of the church will be 10 by 54 feet. Thirty feet of the addition will be used for the pulpit and rostrum. Adjoing this on the south will be a small Sunday school room 10 by 10 feet with a door opening into the rostrum. The addition on the south end of the church will extend the ntire length of the building and along the ten-foot west addition, making it 15 by 40. There will be a six-foot hall way off the south end of this in which one of the main churchentrances will be located. The other one being the old entrance. The rest of the addition will be used for the Sunday school room and will open by folding doors into the main body of the church. The east addition will be 10 by 30 and will face the pulpit in the west addition.

The seating will be circular pews, all of which will be new and of late pattern. The seating capacity will be increased at least 150. All of the old windows will be replaced by handsome new stained glass ones and a handsome large stained glass window will be put in the east additon. The contemplated improvement will cost $3,500 and will make the church one of the most convenient and best in the district for the size of the charge.

Additional history:
Reverend Bernreuter, who worked so faithfully and was so interested in his work was lost to earthly service Sunday, April 4, 1904 during the Sunday School hour. A fitting tribute was given to him by placing in the nearly finished church the beautiful memorial window with the picture of the Good Shepherd.

The dedication services were held Sunday, September 4, 1904 with three services being held during the day. Many guests and former ministries were present when the $4560 improvements were consecrated to use of future generations. Over 1000 people attended church during the three services on that memorial day. On that Dedication Day, the finance committee, reported all bills had been paid in full. Two members A.T. Glassburn and J.W. Glassburn had been most generous and contributed half of the total amount.