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Historic Rifle church seeks helps from its community

Alex Zorn
  

Daryl Meisner makes his way down the old ladder from the top of the bell tower at the Rifle United Methodist Presbyterian Church.
Chelsea Self / Post Independent

Over a century after a fire burned through unincorporated Rifle, what’s now known as the Rifle United Methodist Presbyterian Church remains standing.

According to church historian Shirley LeMoine, the fire stopped right before the old church located at the corner of East Avenue and East Fourth Street.

One church member was said to have stopped and prayed on the grounds in front of the building as smoke engulfed the town, she added.



Now, the nearly 131-year-old church is looking for help from its community to keep an important part of the landmark standing.

Founded in 1888, Rifle United Methodist Presbyterian Church needs repairs for its steeple and bell tower that have watched over Rifle’s historic downtown for generations.



“The bell is a part of Rifle, not just our church, but the town of Rifle,” LeMoine added. “It’s history.”

Daryl Meisner, chairman of the building committee and member of the church since 1975, said the church savings were spent reroofing the building, which “had to be done to preserve the structure.”

Now, he’d like to move on to fixing the steeple and bell tower.

The cost of repairs is estimated at $89,000.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created for the church. Meisner added that donations can also be made in person. Those interested can call 970-625-1603.

azorn@citizentelegram.com


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