Two years of work saving a landmark piece of Henryetta history is going to be celebrated this weekend.
Todd and Dianne Groff have been busy restoring the old First Presbyterian church at the corner of Division and Fifth Street and have an open house Saturday and Sunday to let everyone see their efforts. he building will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. each day.
They bought the 100-year-old building in January, 2014 after they saw some of the limestone blocks falling away leaving gaping holes that revealed the brick siding.
"We just couldn't let the building fall in and didn't want to see it torn down," Dianne said. "It's just too beautiful a structure to lose. We didn't want to see the stained glass sold off and leave Henryetta."
The church was originally built at a cost of $10,000 in 1916. A cornerstone ceremony placing two identical cornerstones was held Sept. 26, 1916. At that time Dianne said a sealed copper box containing the church history and other items was placed behind one of the boxes. It was opened at the diamond anniversary of the church Aug. 23, 1981.
When the Groff's purchased the building, they contracted with Danny Taylor from Okmulgee to start replacing the stones.
The first step was to cover the stained glass windows with plywood to protect them from any mishaps.
Those stained glass windows on the two sides and front of the sanctuary came from the Jacoby Art Glass Com., in St. Louis. Dianne said the company has ties to famed stained glass designer Tiffany Studios in New York. Many Henryetta residents have memories of the light shining through the glass as they drove by or came to worship.
The renovation included removing a wall behind the pulpit that had blocked the west window. When it was opened, a graceful, curved archway above the pulpit came into view.
Those windows compliment the wooden pews that fill the sanctuary. Those pews and a pair of chairs feature carved Gothic-style designs that would be virtually impossible to replace. Those chairs are quarter-sawed oak and still have the original dark finish.
Casting a warm and inviting light throughout the sanctuary are a half-dozen wrought-iron lights hanging from the ceiling. They were donated by church member J.S. Sharpe in 1916.
Throughout the building are remnants of the church history. A former entryway has been turned into a museum with momentous found during the renovation work. That includes a tape player with music for Christmas, Easter and other celebrations. That music would resound throughout Henryetta through loudspeakers mounted outside the building.
Prominently displayed is a Sunday school certificate of recognition. It has been faded and nearly destroyed after being stored in the basement. Carefully trimmed out and pasted around the certificate are photos of the church members. A number of signatures of church members can be read with that person's photo pasted next to it.
The couple plan to make the building a place for more memories, this as a wedding chapel.
Dianne points out in addition to the actual service, there is ample room for receptions in the old fellowship hall annex. There is an area for dining as well as a kitchen that includes an antique gas stove dating back some 75 years.
"The beauty of the church and its uniqueness in construction will make any wedding memorable," she said.