Pilsen church exterior takes on new life
St. John Nepomucene Church at Pilsen is being reborn in more ways than one.
A complete restoration of the building's interior several years ago was followed by installation of a handicap-accessible entrance.
Now, the building's exterior is undergoing a thorough makeover.
New aluminum paint on the steeple and cupola makes them sparkle in the sun and dazzle the eyes of passers-by.
Mortar between the bricks is being removed and replaced, and white stone accents are being cleaned up and recaulked.
According to Bob Konarik, chairman of the building and grounds committee, the expensive project could have been put off for a couple of years but would have cost a lot more if the bricks would have begun to come loose.
The church was built in 1914. The brick and cement were shipped to nearby Lincolnville by train, and tons of rocks were obtained from a farm southwest of Lincolnville, to be crushed for making concrete.
Because of much volunteer labor, the church cost only $30,000. It seats 650 people.
The tower on the handsome Gothic style church rises to 111 feet. The gold cross at its summit can be seen for miles around.
(Historical information from Marion County Kansas, Past and Present, by Sondra Van Meter)
