Churches in Marion are properly preserved

In her Nov. 13 guest column, “Vision for city is old and outdated,” Nancy Read Hutchings criticized her hometown, Marion, for failing to appreciate and preserve historic downtown buildings, including the Methodist and Presbyterian churches and the Carnegie Library. A particular object of her objection was “ … a ‘progressive' young pastor without the insight to preserve this landmark … .”

In fact, the Rev. Mike Morgan, lead pastor of First United Methodist Church (FUMC), grew up in that congregation and graduated from Marion High School.

Much has been done to preserve that historic church. For example, for several months in 1963, Sunday services were held in the Marion Theater while the sanctuary's condemned roof was completely rebuilt.

Now, FUMC's 2,000-plus members and many religious, educational and community programs have the 116-year-old building literally bursting at its seams. After much study, the congregation reluctantly voted to build a building where adequate land was available. There are no plans to raze the historic old church.

After Marion built a new, larger library, FUMC acquired the historic Carnegie Library building (both structures are on the same city block) for church offices. The front (Seventh Avenue) facade has been preserved. Obviously, much has changed inside, but a big desk for a pleasant receptionist is still inside.

Historic preservation is working in Marion.

Jim Schmickley

Cedar Rapids