United Brethren Mt. Zion Church Community Center

In the rolling flint hills east of Manhattan Kansas there is a stone building, an old church which stands as a landmark of a past generation.  Mt. Zion was affiliated with the Evangelical United Brethren.  The originally wood church was built in 1891 but was rebuilt after a fire in 1911, the stone church was built in its current location in 1912.  

Located on Mt. Zion road east of Manhattan is Mt. Zion Church.  The old stone church is being saved, revitalized, and transformed into a community center that will once again serve the needs of our community. The transformation of an old church into a community center is a significant undertaking. It involves a delicate balance of preserving the historical integrity of the building while making it functional and accessible for modern use.  

Church renovation is not just about giving an old building a new lease of life. It’s about preserving our cultural heritage, providing a space for community activities, and creating a sense of belonging among the local residents. A well-executed church renovation project can breathe new life into a community, providing a hub for social interaction, learning, and cultural activities.

In conclusion, the renovation of an old church into a community center is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. However, with the right approach, it can result in a space that not only preserves our cultural heritage but also serves as a vibrant hub for community activities.

Main source: Chat

The renovation of the historic United Brethren Mt Zion church, established in 1891, is an exciting project that holds great significance for the Flint Hills community in Kansas. Situated east of Manhattan, this limestone church has long been admired for its remarkable architecture and rich history.

The United Brethren Mt Zion church served as a pillar of the community for decades, hosting numerous religious gatherings, weddings, and community events. However, over time, the building fell into disrepair, and its once vibrant interior and exterior began to deteriorate. Recognizing the importance of preserving this local treasure, a group of passionate individuals came together to spearhead its renovation.

The ambitious renovation plans to restore the church to its former glory while repurposing it as a modern community center. This transformation will not only honor its historical significance but also provide a space for the local residents to gather, celebrate, and foster a sense of community.

Once completed, the church-turned-community center will become a hub of activity, hosting anniversary celebrations, birthday parties, meetings, workshops, and various programs for the benefit of all residents.

The revitalization of this historic church not only preserves a piece of the past but also breathes new life into the present. It serves as a testament to the community’s commitment to honoring their heritage while embracing progress and growth.

The renovation of the United Brethren Mt Zion church stands as a symbol of unity and pride for the local residents of the Flint Hills. It is a testament to their dedication to preserving the history and culture of their community, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and enjoy this cherished landmark for years to come.

 So how did this project begin? The project began as described in the following article written by Ron Wilson. 

Dave Nelson – Mt. Zion Church 

            This is Kansas Profile.  I’m Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University. 

            There’s a revival going on down at the church.  No, I don’t mean an old-time evangelistic service, I mean that the church building itself is experiencing a revival.  In this case, a historic stone church is being saved and repurposed into a center for the community.  It’s today’s Kansas Profile. 

            Dave Nelson is a financial advisor at Wamego.  A Manhattan High and K-State grad, he has worked on various land development projects.  One of the forgotten landmarks near where he lives is the long-closed Mt. Zion Church, a stone building out in the countryside east of Manhattan. 

            “A new client walked into my office one day,” Nelson said.  “When she told me where she lived, I said, `Oh, that’s across from the old Mt. Zion Church.’  Yes, she said, and it’s for sale.” 

            That got Nelson thinking.  Soon after that he was out on his daily morning walk with his friend and neighbor, retired county official Jerry Petty.  Nelson said to Petty, “What if I bought a church?  Would you want to be involved in fixing it up?”  Petty wasn’t sure. 

The next morning, the two were walking again.  Nelson said, “Hey, I bought a church.  Can you help work on it?”  “When?” Petty replied.  “Well, I have two high school kids coming at 9 this morning,” Nelson said. 

That accelerated time frame was the beginning of the process of saving the historic Mt. Zion Church.  The church was affiliated with the Evangelical United Brethren.  The origin of the church goes back to 1891.  After a fire, the stone church was built in its current location in 1912.  The Soupene family donated the land and the Hoffman family donated the stone. 

Wilma Brooks is a Manhattan-area resident who attended Mt. Zion Church as a child.  “In my mind, I can see the inside of that church like it was yesterday.” Brooks said.  “The biggest share of (church members) were relatives.  My mother was a Hoffman and her mother was a Soupene,” she said. 

These and other families kept the church going for decades, but eventually the country church closed.  The building itself fell into major disrepair. 

“I knew it was a wreck,” Nelson said.  “I like stone buildings,” he said, so he bought it to restore.  He and his friend Jerry Petty set out to save and modernize the building for community use.  To begin, Petty and the high school students filled three dumpsters with the old building’s debris. 

The long-term plan is for the building to become the United Brethren Mt. Zion Church Community Center, open for neighborhood and community events.  Limited repairs were needed on the stone walls which are remarkably straight and strong.  A concrete floor has been poured.  Plumbing and electricity are being installed, along with a heating system for wintertime.   

The original tin steeple, weathervane and church bell will be put back up.  An indoor restroom is being installed, which the church had not had previously.   

This project is entirely privately funded.  No tax dollars are being used.  A Mt. Zion fund has been created to receive tax-deductible donations at the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.  Donated or discounted work is being provided by several local companies:  Weddle Roofing, MCM, Kolde Concrete, Manko Windows, stonemason Sean Padgett, Bayer Construction, Larson Construction, Coleman Electric and more. 

The church building is located on Mt. Zion Road.  It is approximately five miles east of Manhattan and five miles northwest of the rural community of St. George, population 1,114 people.  Now, that’s rural. 

“I have a great appreciation for the old-timers who built the old stone barns and buildings,” Nelson said.  “I enjoy historical things,” Petty said.  “We used to drive by the church and think it would be nice to have that old building restored,” he said. 

            “We decided the old church needed another hundred years,” Nelson said. 

            A church revival is underway – not an evangelistic service, but a revival and restoration of the church building itself for the benefit of the community.  We commend Dave Nelson, Jerry Petty, and all those who are making a difference by helping this piece of history to be revived. 

For the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development, this is Ron Wilson with Kansas Profile. 

Ron Wilson
Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development
10E Umberger Hall, KSU
Manhattan KS 66506
785-532-7690
www.huckboydinstitute.org

“I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”  – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.