Bloomfield, Missouri - A unique celebration took place among the members and friends of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Bloomfield, Missouri.  Reverend Alice Fowler welcomed the crowd of over 100 individuals that attended the ceremonial act of burning the mortgage.  
 
The group was led by four church leaders in the actual ceremonial act.  Reverend Fred Leist (District Superintendent), Barb Capps (wife of the late Gary Capps, Co-Chairman of the Capital Fund Drive), Tony Thorn (Chairman of the Sanctuary Building Committee) and Larry Smith (Chairman of the Fellowship Building Committee) all joined together to light the mortgage papers and place in the bucket in front of the group.

Buddy Heaton, Dale and Cissy Williams and Annette Lumsden provided several song and hymns for the group and many stakeholders, both past and present stepped to the podium to share their joy and excitement about this milestone. 

"I shared with Gary Capps that if we were able to pay this off in 15 years we would be doing good," commented Bill Aslin, Co-Chairman of the Capital Fund Drive.  "To do this in only 7 years is a remarkable miracle."

Larry Smith delivered some humor to the event as he discussed his past expressions at meetings that "he hoped the Church would get on fire for the Lord".  He further noted that he didn't mean to actually have a fire in the Church. 

The Church was honored by the attendance of Bishop Robert Schnase.  Bishop Schnase has served as the Bishop for the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church since 2004.  This Missouri Conference includes nearly 900 congregations with 175,000 members, offering ministry through local churches, colleges, campus ministries,social services and mission projects throughout the world.  The Church was truly inspired by his message entitled, "Nibbling Our Way Lost".

A reception followed shortly after the ceremony and closing benediction in the fellowship hall.  Mrs. Trish Vandeven made a most beautiful and delicious cake for everyone.  Also a very special thanks to Rosemary Walker who brought it all together.  Elizabeth Williams stated, "What a great program put together by Miss Rose." and Barbara Rice also commented, "She is a stellar planner, whatever the occasion!"  Cathy Chasteen took some fantastic pictures of the ceremony and dedication and posted them on the Trinity United Methodist Church facebook page. 

This was truly a blessed event.  What a wonderful day everyone had praising God and dedicating the church to God's purposes.  No one realized seven years ago that they could have managed such a miracle by paying off the mortgage so soon.  So many people had faith and worked very hard to ensure the success of the church and its congregation.

There are so many magnificent and committed people in our community who want a place to worship and feel welcomed.  Trinity United Methodist Church opens its doors to anyone who wishes to be faithful to God.

For Additional Pictures:  Go to the Trinity United Methodist Facebook Page by clicking HERE!