A tune-up for the tower
Those working to preserve one of the area’s most iconic architectural feats received some good news last week.
On Aug. 26, the National Park Service’s Save America’s Treasures program announced that it’s awarding First Christian Church in Columbus a $500,000 grant for the overall $2.4 million project to repair the structural integrity of its tower.
The 166-foot tower has been one piece of the overall First Christian refurbishing effort since fundraising began for work on the church in 2017. A project to repair the church’s skylight was completed in 2018.
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The church, which was designed by Eliel and Eero Saarinen, and completed in 1942, began the city’s storied commitment to Modernist architecture and was among the first modern-style churches in the country. In 2001, the building was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service.
Rep. Greg Pence authored a letter of support for the grant application in 2019.
All should feel excited about the developments, as the grant will help preserve an icon of Columbus architecture.
One for the history books
While most viewers weren’t in attendance, no fan will soon forget the 2020 Columbus East/Columbus North football game.
Despite stadium attendance being limited by COVID-19 restrictions, the excitement was off the charts. East jumped to a 28-7 lead in the first half before North stormed back to go ahead in the fourth quarter. The Olympians responded by scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 32 seconds left — snapping a four-game losing streak to its rival.
The game marked the 50th contest between the two programs.
In a time where nothing is guaranteed, we should feel thankful that the annual community event took place. Players from both sides can learn a lot of life lessons from the contest, which is what sports are all about.
The definition of a community partner
While times are tough for all, some community members are still going the extra mile to take care of each other.
Just after 11 a.m. on Monday, a 93-year-old Columbus resident of the Lowell Addition called 911 to report someone had thrown a brick through her front porch window. When Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Cooper arrived on the scene, the resident told him that the brick that smashed the window had been used by the victim to stabilize a flower pot outside
After speaking with the woman, Cooper went to Kenny Glass Inc., 5240 U.S. 31 North, to get materials to cover the window. At the business, Cooper spoke with fabricator Jerry Bragg, who asked if he could go and take a look at the damage.
Following a quick visit, Bragg took the frame from the broken window, brought it back to Kenny Glass, and fixed it free of charge after speaking with Kenny Glass president David Bush. Once it was completed, a handful of the business’ employees traveled to the house to ensure the replacement window was properly installed.
The heart-warming story exemplifies the phrase “love thy neighbor” and also exemplifies the “Columbus way” of taking care of one another.
