Termites played big part in Maumee church’s story

From Toledo-

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Maumee is celebrating its 175th year, but the historic Gothic Revival church came perilously close to being razed when termites caused extensive damage to the sanctuary floors and walls more than 50 years ago.

Parishioners were forced to decide whether to demolish the building and erect a new one or to preserve the church and invest in a renovation.

The choice was made even more difficult because St. Paul’s was going through a growth spurt, and some parishioners felt it would be wise to build a larger sanctuary. The preservationists prevailed, however, and the renovated sanctuary reopened in 1961.

“The renovation was expensive, but we didn’t want to leave that church. We love it so much,” recalled Mary Spangler, 88, who joined the congregation after being married at St. Paul’s in 1946. “The renovation has held up very good over the years.”

Jane Weber, whose father, the Rev. Howard Graham, was rector of St. Paul’s from 1966 until 1986, said parishioners were willing to put up with the inconvenience of overcrowding.

More here-

http://www.toledoblade.com/Religion/2011/08/27/Termites-played-big-part-in-Maumee-church-s-story.html