Bonham -- First Presbyterian Church, established “on the third Sabbath in August 1872,” will hold a dedication of its newly renovated sanctuary on Sunday, at 3 p.m. on April 21, 2013. For several months my days would be interrupted as I ran with my camera to document the project’s developments. Day by day the original wood was uncovered on the walls. An arch between the front and back sections of the church was removed, reshaping the ceiling. The chancel was enlarged and the carpet has been replaced with wooden floors. Refinished pipes for the 1912 Mohler pipe organ, have been restored to their original gilded condition; and the hospitality area behind the sanctuary was enlarged and refinished.
The original part of the church building, which was built in 1835, was purchased in 1885 for $1,300. It was moved to this location in 1897 and the cruciform style was completed. Dr. J.H. Wiggins was the minister at that time and his great-great grandchildren are current members. It was interesting to watch the renovation. The timbers holding the roof were from virgin pine trees from East Texas, of 100-150 years of age when cut. These timbers have been made into a cross and offering plates.
The bricks from the once important fire chimney have been reserved for use in the Common Ground Prayer Garden.
The new lighting and newly painted window frames set out the stained glass windows, which replaced the original solid colored glass in 1940.
First Presbyterian Church of Bonham extends an invitation to the dedication ceremony Sunday afternoon, April 21, at 3:00 p.m. FPC is located at 818 N Main Street, Bonham, Texas.