The public is invited to a tour of the newly renovated meetinghouse for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1304 7th St NW in Childress. The branch president of the congregation, Christopher Tipa, has announced an open house on Saturday, April 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
A congregation that began in the 1970s with less than 10 members meeting in the Odd Fellows Lodge has now grown to over 200 members from several different towns. This meetinghouse serves as home to members from Childress, Quanah, Memphis, Wellington, Paducah, Clarendon, and Matador. Many members sacrifice time and money to make the lengthy drive to Childress to be united in spirit and purpose as they worship at the closest meetinghouse. It has been a wonderful blessing to many of the original pioneers who were instrumental in establishing the church in this area to be privileged to see the fruits of their labors. Ray and Joan Wyatt and J.C. and Dollie Keys, who were the first families to formally organize meetings in this area, are still faithful stalwarts of the congregation. Many years of prayers, dedication and sacrifice on their part have made this day possible.
Mark Keys, who served for many years as the branch president of the congregation, said when speaking at the dedication, we prayed and hoped for this building for our children and our grandchildren.” His dream has been realized as many of his own children and grandchildren worship in the beautiful building that has come as result of his faithfulness. Four generations of the Keys family are represented each Sunday in the Congregation.
The buildings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are constructed from the church’s tithing fund. This program of using the faithful donations of the membership to finance the building of meetinghouses and temples has been a successful one. Gordon B. Hinckley, former prophet of the church, said, “this tremendous building program is phenomenal. I know nothing equal to it. Our structures are beautiful. We have had long experience in constructing houses of worship, and out of the cast experience we are producing better buildings that have ever previously been constructed in the Church. They combine beauty with great utility. If they look much the same, it is because that is intended. By following tried and tested patterns we save millions of dollars while meeting the needs of our people.”
The needs of the saints in the Childress Branch have definitely been met and we invite you to share in the celebration of our good fortune. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the members of the Presbyterian Church who opened their building and their hearts to us for the duration of our renovation.
People of all ages, faiths and background are welcome to attend.
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