Gimme A Bid!
Stuart, Ia. -- An auction held at the Stuart Sales Barn demonstrated just how much support there is in the community for those wishing to sell off our cultural heritage. Articles taken from the old rectory and religious artifacts from the old church were placed in the sales arena and sold to the chanting of the auctioneer. The size of the crowd which at its peek was 35 people proved very disappointing to church leaders.From observations over half of those in attendance were sympathetic to Project Restore and their efforts to secure the old church building. It was also very obvious that the community didn't support the sale, only three non-catholics attended the event. Parishioners were also asked to donate items to the sale. The few items that could be identified as coming from the parish were a wooden quilt holder and about 8 cantaloupe. It was hoped that the sale of the items would generate some extra cash for the building fund. The parish council has asked parishioners to donate many items to furnish the new church building.
Most of the religious items were rescued by members of Project Restore. It was heartbreaking to see the portrait of Christ which hung in the sacristy and had survived the fire, laying on the floor surrounded by cantaloupe. This portrait of "Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane" was a Christmas gift from the children of the parish to Monsignor Joseph Ryan. For many years it was displayed on the south wall of the sacristy. Monsignor Ryan spearheaded the restoration of the church in 1975 and completed many other large improvements to the parish plant.
The deal of the day went to Ms. Betty Beaman, the auction organizer and parish council member who, with just over $200.00 in hand, purchased a kitchen range. It was reported that the parish paid approximately $700.00 for the stove just over a year ago.
