Community efforts to repair and maintain the church have been a common theme throughout its history.

There have been several efforts to make repairs to Little Stranger Church or to keep it alive as an active community meeting place. Church records indicate get-togethers to clean up the church, as well as donations such as nails, paint, shingles, and monetary donations, throughout its history. In 2015, a serious effort was once again put forth by the community to restore the church through a series of projects, and also to create a long-term plan for its maintenance.

During the application process for the 2016 Heritage Trust Fund Grant in 2015, the church board worked with Stan Hernly, an architect who specializes in historic preservation, to create a plan for the restoration. This plan, and other projects, are outlined below.


Roof

✓ Project Complete

The roof was leaking and in urgent need of replacement in order to prevent damage to the interior of the building. The existing asphalt shingle roofing was replaced with new asphalt shingle roofing.

Date Complete: 2016
Cost: $7,646; 80% reimbursed by Heritage Trust Fund Grant

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Foundation

✓ Project Complete

Repairs to the foundation were one of the biggest undertakings in the restoration process. It was necessary to restore the foundation before replacing the siding. Restoration of the foundation began in December 2017 and was complete by February 2018. Work included: replacing the sill beam, removing the later added concrete patchwork, salvaging and resetting as much of the original limestone as possible.

Date Complete: February 2018
Cost: $54,984; 80% reimbursed by the Heritage Trust Fund Grant


headstone Repairs

✓ Project Complete

In 2017, several fallen headstones were reset and repaired with the help of Jayme Quinley's expertise in cemetery maintenance and Chad Mowery for providing his backhoe.

We will continue to make repair and reset headstones as needed.


Siding

✓ Project Complete

Much of the siding was missing or deteriorating. All siding was removed and any salvageable pieces will be used for the front facade of the building. Siding that matches the original wood will be installed on the rest of the building.

Kansas State Historical Society's Heritage Trust Fund Grant for 2019; if accepted, the grant will cover 80% of the restoration costs. 

Date complete: 2020

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Doors

A local woodworker built new doors and donated them to the church. They will be installed as part of the 2020 HTF Restoration Project.

Estimated Completion Date: 2021

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Windows

We are still in the research phase for window restoration. It is estimated that each of the six windows will cost $2,000 to repair or replace. 

Estimated Completion Date: 2021


Interior

The interior is in relatively good condition. Old furniture in disrepair has been removed, but the original pews and other furniture from later years are still in good condition. The floors and furniture are cleaned annually.

 

Ceiling

The ceiling boards need to be removed in order for debris to be cleared. The boards will then be repaired, or replaced if needed.

Estimated Completion Date: Fall 2018
Estimated Cost: TBD

 

Walls

Once the siding is restored, the interior walls will be cleaned and freshly painted.

Estimated Completion Date: Late 2019
Estimated Cost: TBD