STUART, IA -- Parishioners resisting the decision to replace All Saints Catholic Church have set up a fund to raise money to restore the burned-out structure.
The group, named Project Restore, has been working to reverse the church council's Feb. 15 decision to raze what remains of the church -- a decision they claim was made without proper input from the parish.
"I think we are gaining momentum," group spokesman Dick Doherty said.
There are almost 100 people in the parish who support the cause, and many Stuart residents not in the parish are for preserving the church, he said.
The fund has been set up at the First State Bank in Stuart. It is being administered by the bank president and all money will be returned if the church is not restored.
The group is also accepting contributions of time, labor, expertise and prayer, Doherty said.