Spirit of volunteers energizes church

More than a dozen energetic volunteers brought new life to the Virginia Dale Community Church in mid-December as walls and trusses marked a promising future for a small but persistent congregation.

On Dec. 19, just a little more than a month after an arsonist destroyed the historic church, a new building began to take shape on the same spot. Church members have gathered together photos of the interior and exterior of the lost landmark in an effort to make the new church look as much like old as possible.

Even more important, they have committed themselves to keeping the church unlocked and available to all passersby who need a place to rest or worship.

The old church was built of hand-hewn logs in 1880 and moved to the site along U.S. Highway 287 north of Livermore in 1885. White clapboard siding and a vestibule were added later. The congregation, many descended from the area's first homesteaders, met monthly on the second Sunday.

Volunteer construction supervisor Wayne Legg noted that much of the building progress will depend on weather. The church could hold services in Febrary at the earliest, members said.

Construction volunteers working with Legg on Dec. 19 included Luis Zapata, Jim Colburn, Rik Arensmeier, Joe Gallagher, Bob Hall, Jerry Cox, Paul Matosky, Denny Ozee, Don Keirns, Chad McGarvey, Stan McGarvey and Chris Walker. Others will be working at the site as their skills are needed.