St. Ann's Catholic Church, Long Grove, IA

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The History of St. Ann's Church in Long Grove, Iowa

About this document

This electronic edition of St. Ann's History is essentially the publication "The History of St. Ann's Catholic Church Long Grove, Iowa, 1840-1995," by Chris and Cathi Farwell. The original contains a detailed bibliography and footnotes, which are not included here. We have updated this excellent reference and made it available in an electronic format.
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The Early Church

Over 20 years before the Civil War, people in various sections of Europe were turning their eyes upon America as the land of hope and opportunity. Among the many who fled Europe were the Irish, German, and Belgians. Suffering from famine, political oppression, or religious persecution, America presented a chance to start anew.

So in the mid to late 1830s, eager newcomers from Ireland moved westward across the frontier country of the United States. Some eventually settled in the vast wilderness 30 miles north of the infant town of Davenport, Iowa. At that time, there were only about 100 residents of Davenport, and scarcely more than 25 were Catholic.

They were the typical pioneer conquerors of the American frontier, with their huge canvas-topped wagons drawn by strong oxen. These hardy pioneers were frugal, zealous, industrious and self-sacrificing and no work was too hard or hours too long when it came to providing for their families or for the Church. They feel in love with the land and the climate and the scenery.

Charles Elder, his wife and one child, and Leonard Cooper and family of ten, arrived early in the spring of 1838 from Pennsylvania and staked claims. When the Brownlie brothers came to Iowa in the fall of 1838, they found families living in log cabins near Long Grove. Several other families had land claims, but returned temporarily to homes in Pennsylvania. Most of the Irish settled to the north and west of Long Grove and became the members of St Ann's Parish. Among these were Matthew and Richard Tobin, great grandfather and grandfather to Tobin families which are still members of St. Ann's. The Tobin brothers returned to their claim in 1843.

It is difficult to pin-point the exact date of the start of St. Ann's Parish. Some might be inclined to put the date as early as the year of 1838 when Mass was offered in the Elder and Cooper homes by priests who traveled by horseback. With the Irish potato famine, which started in 1847, and the advertisement of Iowa as the home of the Irish by the Diocese of Dubuque, came a large influx of settlers. Just who called the first meeting of the men of the Parish we do not know, but they decided to have a church of their own. So it was in 1853, with the generous gift of land from John McManus, the small Catholic Parish had its beginning, dedicated to St. Ann. What rejoicing there must have been among the new Americans in this wilderness; they now had their own church. It was located two miles north of Long Grove. The building, erected in 1853, is the vestry of Old St. Ann's. Patrick Dempsey later donated 20 acres of farmland to aid in support of the church. The original small frame building sat on the site presently occupied by the bell tower,

The charter families of the present St. Ann's community were John McManus, Richard Tobin, Matthew Tobin, John Noel, Michael Lillis, James Armstrong, Raphael Cooper, Dominick Gillin, John Ennis, John Doyle, Martin Kehoe, Leonard Cooper, Patrick Dempsey and Charles Elder.

Due to the size and remote rural location of the church, they were not appointed a resident priest. Priest then (like today) were scare, especially in a missionary diocese, From 1853 to 1870, St. Ambrose Academy and Davenport churches supplies numerous priests to serve the needs of the congregation. Among these priests were Fr. James McGillin, Fr. Peter Gaffney, and Fr. Henry Cosgrove, the most notable as he was later to become one of the Bishops of the Davenport Diocese after its creation in 1881.

Many Irish, Germans and Belgians, seeing the advertisements of the church and experiencing the anti-Catholic mood of the cities, decided Iowa would make a wonderful new home. As the colony began to grow in numbers, so too did the Parish. By 1870, the Parish had become too large for the simple structure, and a larger place of worship became necessary. Retaining the original church as a vestry, the enlarged church and a parsonage (which was moved to the Francis Costello farm in 1984) were completed. In order to preserve the scenic beauty of the land, scores of young maple trees were planted around the new church. The simple white building with its tall steeple and cross and outstanding landscaping would serve the people well for more than 100 years. That year, with the parsonage not entirely completed, Father Thomas Smythe became the first resident priest.

It is unfortunate that we know so little about the infant years in the life of the Parish, the work and difficulties as well as the joys of the first parishioners. How quickly the first years must have gone; yet they had a flourishing new Parish to show for it. Certainly these first years were well spent, and the Parish had a healthy beginning, both spiritually and materially.
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The Pastors

1. Reverend Thomas Smythe - January 1, 1870 to January 1, 1894

Father Smythe was born at Kilaloe, County Clare, Ireland, on September 3, 1838. In Ireland, the family was known as the "Levitaical Smythes". He was born to an old line, religious family in which there was an unbroken succession of priests.

Fr. Smythe's early ambition was to be a Trappist, a branch of a Cistercian order of monks characterized by austerity and a vow of absolute silence. After his father's brother, Clement, was appointed the second Bishop of Dubuque, he decided to come to Iowa. Fr. Smythe was ordained by his uncle in Dubuque on December 18, 1869. Shortly after his ordination, he was appointed to the pastorate of the people of St. Ann's. He was silent, retiring, and prayerful. He immediately won over the pioneers and made a favorable impression on the growing number of new arrivals. By the 1880s, there was a significant German and Belgian population in the Church. Fr. Smythe was instrumental in uniting the Irish, German, and Belgians during this time of ethnic tension. In 1881, the Diocese of Davenport was established with Bishop McMullin as its first Bishop. In September 1882, Bishop McMullin administered the sacrament of Confirmation to a class of 135. More than 45 years of Fr. Smythe's missionary life was spent in two country parishes, St. Ann's and St. Peter's, Cosgrove. Fr. Smythe's example inspired twelve young men to become priests and many more young ladies entered religious communities.

Fr. Smythe had a keen sense of humor and warm affection for friends. He was a simple man who was indulgent and generous with others and willing to go without for himself. Fr. Smythe generously paid all his nephew's school and living expenses. Due to hearing loss, he retired to St. Joseph's Academy, Ottumwa, Iowa in 1915. What little means he had toward the end he gave to the Sisters of Humility, whose spirit and work he much admired.

For many years he rose at 4:30 a.m. and said Mass at 6 every morning until four days before his death. Fr. Smythe caught the deadly pneumonia which brought a quick end to his long, distinguished life. He died hopeful and unafraid on Christmas Eve, 1923. His last rites were performed in the Convent Chapel at St. Joseph's by two of his nephews who were priests. Fr. Smythe rests in the Sisters cemetery.

2. Reverend Patrick Morrin - January 28, 1894 to November 1, 1897

Like Father Smythe, Father Morrin was born in Ireland (Kildare, County Clare) in 1843. He completed his seminary studies at the Seminary of Our Lady of the Angelo, Suspension Bridge, New York. He was ordained in New York on June 4, 1871. Fr. Morrin served many commissions. His early commissions were in churches now in the Des Moines diocese including: Missouri valley, Red Oak and Walnut. He also served at St. Boniface, Farmington; St. Mary's, Fairfield; and Sacred Heart, Newton, before arriving at St. Ann's. Fr. Morrin was warmly greeted by a country parish of more than 50 families. It is unknown where he served after leaving St. Ann's in 1897. After suffering a stroke, he failed steadily, and in the fall of 1905, resigned his charge and went to live with Fr. Hanson, a relative in Dunlap, Iowa. Fr. Morrin died in Dunlap on May 26, 1906 at the age of 61. His funeral service was held in Williamsburg, Iowa.

3. Reverend Martin McNamara - June 1, 1898 to June 1, 1902

Very little is known about Father McNamara, other than he was ordained in June 1893 and served as pastor at St. Ann's for 4 years.

4. Reverend Joseph Rangger - January 1, 1903 to November 5, 1904

Father Rangger was born in Tyrok, Austria on January 16, 1867. He completed his seminary studies at St. Francis, Wisconsin. Fr. Rangger was the administer of St. Mary's, Welton and Mercy Hospital, Davenport, and a chaplain at St. Peter and Paul, Clear Creek, before coming to St. Ann's. After leaving St. Ann's, he served at St. Joseph's, Bauer, and St. James in St. Paul. He served the Davenport Diocese faithfully for 40 years. Fr. Rangger died on July 11, 1932, and was buried July 15, 1932 in St. Paul, Iowa.

5. Reverend Harvey Finefield - April 1, 1906 to September 1, 1912

Father Finefield, the son of Mr and Mrs. William Finefield, was born in Davenport on November 12, 1877. He was the first American born priest to assume the pastorate of St. Ann's. He attended St. Ambrose Academy and College and St. Paul's Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota and was ordained June 13, 1904 in St. Paul by archbishop John Ireland.

His first assignment was as an assistant pastor at St. Ambrose Church, Des Moines from July 1904 to April 1906. Fr. Finefield was appointed pastor of St. Ann's in 1906. His parents lived in the parsonage and farmed the church land. He also said Mass in one or the other Catholic homes in McCausland every six weeks or so.

Fr. Finefield was appointed past of St. Peter's Church, Cosgrove, in 1912 and in 1920, pastor of St. Mary's Church, Oxford, where he remained until December 1932. He celebrated his Golden Jubilee at St. Patrick's on June 13, 1954. Fr. Finefield died Friday, July 8, 1955. A solemn Mass was offered the following Tuesday at St. Patrick's. He rests in peace at Holy Family Cemetery, Davenport.

6. Reverend John Lynch - February 1, 1913 to April 14, 1929

Father Lynch was born in Clare, Ireland on June 16, 1877. He was educated at St. Flannan's College, Ennis, and at All Hallows College, Dublin, where he was ordained June 24, 1901 for the Archdiocese of Dubuque. He served as assistant pastor in parishes at Nestor, Independence, and Mason City, Iowa, and in 1912 served as a chaplain in Clinton. From 1913 ro 1929, Fr. Lynch was stationed at St. Ann's. During that time, membership of the Ku Klux Klan reaching its all time high in northern Scott County. Fortunately by 1927, the KKK had all but disappeared from the area. Fr. Lynch served a year as pastor at Parnell and Tipton. In May 1930, he was named pastor at Immaculate Conception, Petersville, where he served until his death on February 20, 1951 of a coronary heart attack.

7. Reverend Francis Lawler - April 21, 1929 to June 23, 1935

Father Lawler was born in Clinton to John and Annie O'Hern Lawler on November 20, 1882. He received his elementary education at St. Mary's, Clinton, and graduated from St. Joseph College, Dubuque, now Loras College. He studied for the priesthood at St. Paul's Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, and was ordained January 10, 1914 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport by Bishop James Davis.

St. Mary's Parish, Davenport, was Father Lawler's first assignment. He served as assistant there until he was appointed pastor at St. James, Toronto, and its out mission, St. Patrick's, Big Rock. Fr. Lawler was then pastor successively at St. Mary's, Dodgeville; St. Ann's, Long Grove; St. Patrick's, Burlington; St. Mary's, Tipton; and St. Anne's, Welton. During his tenure at St. Ann's, Fr, Lawler began cleaning up and repairing the cemetery, a project that would not be finished for more than 20 years. Fr. Lawler retired from Welton on December 4, 1953, and lived with family in Clinton until he moved to Gloucester, Massachusetts in March 1954. Fr. Lawler died on April 3, 1954 at a hospital run by the Hospitaller Brothers in Massachusetts. He was buried in Clinton.

8. Reverend Dennis Ryan - June 23, 1935 to May 9, 1942

Father Ryan was born January 22, 1880, in County Tipperary, Ireland. His education began in the schools of his native community and was continued in the college and the seminary of St. Patrick's, Carlow, where he was ordained June 6, 1908.

Coming to the diocese of Davenport, he received his first assignment as assistant pastor of St. Paul's, Burlington, serving later in the same capacity at St. Ambrose, Des Moines. Fr. Ryan faithfully served the people of St. Boniface, Farmington; Immaculate Conception, Petersville; and St. Michael's, Holbrook before arriving at St. Ann's in 1935. Although the work was hard and slow going, Fr. Ryan continued the work on the cemetery.

Fr. Ryan served in the sacred ministry of the Diocese of Davenport for 36 years when a heart attack struck that took the life of the priest. Fr. Ryan died on May 9, 1942, and was buried in St. Marguerite's Cemetery, Davenport (now Mt. Calvary).

9. Reverend Raphael M. Maher - June 7, 1942 to July 1, 1973

Father Maher was born in Mingo, Iowa. He attended schools at Colfax and Mingo. He studied at the University of Notre Dame and Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He was ordained to the priesthood in May, 1931, by Bishop Henry Rohlman at Sacred Heart Cathedral. After ordination, he was assistant at the cathedral parish and from 1931 to 1942, a member of the faculty at St. Ambrose College where he taught literature. In 1942, Father Maher came to St. Ann's and stayed for the longest period of any resident priest to date. His tenure lasted a total of 31 years. Fr. Maher, in the authors' opinion, was the first priest to served St. Ann's during the modern era. He set the stage for the many profound changes St. Ann's would experience in the mid to late 20^th century. Father Maher was deeply interested in the social organization of the Catholic Church in America. Fr. Maher brought changes to all aspects of the church physically, spiritually, and socially. He began a process of change and acceptance for this traditional, rural church.

He was faced with a great task - to bring the crumbling church back to its former glory. Upon his arrival at St. Ann's, he found the church in total disrepair. The landscaping was overgrown, the balcony crumbling, and the cemetery in shambles. It tool him a number of years, but the new pastor, often through generous donations of individuals, succeeded splendidly. As the 100 year old maple trees died, Fr. Maher replaced them with beautiful pine trees. Francis Costello, in the words of his father John, "He carved a church grounds out of a wilderness."

As part of his rejuvenation of the church and grounds, Fr. Maher eliminated pew rent and initiated the envelope system used today. This enabled members of the congregation to give to the church according to individual abilities. He also established a savings fund which would be continued and extremely useful when a new church was needed. Money was not a huge issue for the people of St. Ann's due to the extreme generosity of the parish.

During the early 1950s, August DeCock built a brick home in the southeast corner of the parish property and willed it to the church.

In the early 1970s, Fr. Maher continued the renovations to the church he had started in the 1950s. He made several dramatic changes to the church, including the installation of new lighting and resurfacing of the ceiling. The high altar and communion rail were removed and the high pews replaced with lower back models. These changes were taking place at the same time as the Mass was changing due to the reforms of Vatican II. The transition from pre-Vatican II to post-Vatican II was made much easier for the people of St. Ann's by their leader and friend, Fr. Maher. He helped the people see the changes as only superficial, what really mattered was their faith. He showed the parish that these changes were very necessary both spiritually for the people, and physically for the church as it was crumbling and in need of repair.

In 1971, a new Parish Center was built. This was to accommodate the ever increasing number of CCD students, which had grown to around 550 at this time.

Fr. Maher retired in 1973 from the pastorate of St. Ann's and lived in the retired priests wind of St. Vincent Center in Davenport. Thus, the longest chapter in the history of St. Ann's Parish came to an end in the period of rebuilding and change. The good work begun by Fr. Maher was to be continued by the equally devoted and zealous pastors, aided by able assistants, and helped and encouraged by local parishioners. Fr. Maher died on October 9, 1980, in Corpus Christi, Texas. His funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Ann's and he was buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. The entire parish mourned the passing of one who had made such a lasting impression on them.

10. Revered Clifford Egert - July 5, 1973 to July 1, 1983

Father Egert was born in Geneseo, Illinois to Mr. And Mrs. Frank Egert on August 25, 1911. He received his elementary education at St. Anthony School and Sacred Heart School, Davenport, and graduated from St. Ambrose Academy and College in 1934. He studied for the priesthood at St. Paul's Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, and was ordained April 24, 1938 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport by Most Reverend Henry P. Rohlman.

Sacred Heart Church, Fort Madison, was Fr. Egert's first assignment. He served as assistant there until 1939, when he was assigned to St. Anthony's in the same capacity. During World War II, he served the U.S. Army as a Chaplain. He continued service as a Chaplain at Ottumwa Heights until 1949. He then served at St. Boniface, Farmington; St. Joseph's, Bauer; St. Mary's, Lone Tree; St. Mary's, Tipton; St. Mary's, Ottumwa; and Our Lady of Victory, Davenport.

Fr. Egert served at St. Ann's from 1973 until his retirement in July, 1983. In 1977, Fr. Egert added two more classrooms, and in 1981, he completed a new library and office for the Parish Center. Fr. Egert also added a sacristy and reconciliation room to the front of the church and enclosed the porch of the former rectory. With the help of volunteers, he maintained the buildings and grounds. Fr. Egert served on the Building Commission in 1973 and the Personnel Boarding in 1986 for the Davenport Diocese. Fr. Egert now resides at the Kahl Home, Davenport.

11. Reverend John Hynes - July 1, 1983 to July 1, 1991

Father. Hynes was born to John F. and Ellen A. Hynes on September 26, 1928 in Davenport, Iowa. He received his elementary education at Sacred Heart School, Davenport, and graduated from St. Ambrose Academy and College in 1951. He studied at St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, Maryland until 1955. He was ordained June 4, 1955 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport, by the Most Reverend Ralph L. Hayes. Fr. Hynes served as an assistant pastor at St. Mary's, Ottumwa; St. Boniface, Clinton; St. Joseph's, DeWitt; and pastor at St. Joseph's, Davenport before arriving at St. Ann's. Fr. Hyne's first celebrated Mass at St. Ann's was in July, 1983. Fr. Hynes served as President of the Senate of Priests in 1977-1978 for the Davenport, Diocese.

Fr. Hynes undertook the immense task of building a new worship center for the people of St. Ann's. The project would be an 18 month endeavor in which a new heritage would begin and an old one preserved. The time for an entirely new and up-to-date structure was more than overdue, and Fr. Hynes began to plan for the new building. Knowing the Catholic Church was in a state of change and renewal due to Vatican II, Fr. Hynes and the rest of the Building Committee created a worship center that would take the church into the new millennium. Fr. Hynes left St. Ann's in 1991, and it was with heavy hearts that we said good-bye. He served St. Paul the Apostle in Davenport until 1994 when he went to Our Lady of the River, LeClaire. [retirement details]

12. Reverend Steve Ebel - July 1, 1991 to present day

Father Ebel, the twelfth Paster of St. Ann's Parish, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard H. Ebel in Iowa City, Iowa on June 2, 1944. He attended St. Mary's Grade School and Regina High School in Iowa City. He is a St. Ambrose College alumnus. He received his seminary studies at Mt. St. Bernard Seminary, Dubuque; Aquinas Institute of Theology, Dubuque, and St. John's Seminary, Collegeville, Minnesota, where he received a Masters of Divinity. He was ordained by the Most Reverend Gerald O'Keefe of the 6^th of June, 1970, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport. His assignments have included associates at St. Mary's, Clinton; Our Lady of Victory, Davenport; Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport; and Pastor at St. Mary's, Pella; Columbus Junction and Ardon; and St. Mary's, Wapello.

Fr. Ebel has placed a strong emphasis on the spiritual development of the congregation. This is best exemplified by programs that stress liturgical renewal. Fr. Ebel served as Dean, Grinnell Deanery 1985-1986; Presbyterial Council 1985; and Personnel Board 1990-1993.

More to come.
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Old St. Ann's

Old St. Ann's is a magnificent, traditional country church constructed of all local oak. A small wooden frame structure served as the original church from 1853 until 1870. This building seated about 50 people, and the parish outgrew it quickly. In 1870, a larger church was built and the original structure was used as a vestry. The wooden frame church seated just 250 people, but served the congregation well for 136 years. The architecture of the church was similar to many other rural Catholic churches of the era. The church's exterior was wooden siding painted white with a tall steeple that typically punctuated a Catholic church. There were wide steps and heavy oak doors leading into the church. The tall steeple and beautiful landscaping drew people from all over.

The grounds were beautifully landscaped, using the old trees to their advantage. Hedges and bushes complemented the simple white church building with its tall steeple and cross. Flowers bloomed around two shrines, one on each side of the wide walkway which led from the blacktopped parking lot to the church steps.

In the 1970s, the inside of the church was completely remodeled. The old altar was removed, the background paneled in dark wood, and the upper part and side above the paneling were done in gold leaf. The heavy white altar, which was used for over 100 years, was replaced by a newer more simple wood-grained altar. The entire church was carpeted in green with accents of gold and cardinal.

The 100-year old, high straight-backed wooden pews and wood kneeling benches were replaced by low pews and padded keeling benches. New self-closing glass doors took the place of the heavy wooden outside doors, and green outdoor carpet was placed on the steps. A sacristy and reconciliation room were added to the front of the church. The 100-plus year old church had become quite modern with its wide center aisle and narrower side aisles. The entire interior was in view from the outside.

On Monday, July 29, 1985, the last Mass as said in the old church. The community gathered to move equipment from the old to the new church. In September 1985, the congregation bid farewell to the beautiful old church they had called home. The church was moved to the Walnut Grove Pioneer Village in Scott County Part where it was restored to its former glory in pre-Vatican II style with an altar similar to the original, a communion rail, and high wooden pews. Today the church is used for many non-denominational weddings and has become a frequently visited historical site in Scott County.
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New St. Ann's

The parish decided in 1984 to build a new church. The stately old church could no longer accommodate the needs of the constantly growing congregation. A committee was formed to study and make recommendations for building a new facility. In early 1984, the plans were approved and the ground was broken on June 17, 1984. A new structure was started to the west side of the old church and was formally dedicated on October 27, 1985.

The design of the church came from a combined effort of the liturgical consultant, Frank Kacmarcik, the committee of parishioners, the architect, Ken Steffen, all under the leadership of Fr. John Hynes. The spacious interior comfortably seats 750 people, and the pews are arranged so that all worshipers can see the faces of other worshipers during the liturgy. This was designed to enhance the feeling of community. Also included was a large day chapel with seating for 100 where daily Mass is held; a Eucharistic chapel for private devotion by 10 to 12 people; conference room; pastoral offices and study; secretary's office; sacristy; a small meeting area for special meetings such as Bible studies; a nursery; a kitchenette; and restrooms. The building, which cost nearly $1.8 million, replaced the original church that served the community well. It was paid for through a fund drive, cash on hand, and a loan through Davenport Bank and Trust Co.

The large commons area with the baptismal font connects all other area to the main church area. Parishioners gather in the commons before Mass to visit and after Mass for coffee and juice. This area is one of the church's greatest assets in bringing the community together.

Just to the west side of the church is the spacious rectory with living quarters for the resident priest, multi-purpose meeting areas, and an attached two-car garage. The rectory is attached to the main church.

The new church was designed with consideration for leaving as much of the original grounds and landscaping intact as possible. Through the generosity of parishioners and others, a bell tower was erected just to the east of the church, where the bell from the old church is preserved and heard today. The cemetery adjoins the church on the east and can be seen from inside the commons at the baptismal font. Behind the bell tower is a baby land burial plot.

The Mass used to be a background for private worship in a public setting. Philosophically and structurally, the new building symbolizes and encourages the spirit of community gathering in proclamation of the Word. Much thought and effort were put into making this building a place where the sense of community, often lost with population growth, could be recaptured and celebrated.

The commons is what brings the parish to life. It invites mingling and brotherhood of the members and brings a sense of energy and openness to the church. The room is lighted by natural light from the skylight directly over the baptismal font, which is large enough to baptize babies by immersion (which is an option for the parents of infants). The celebration of the sacrament of baptism at the opening of Mass is a symbol that we come into the Church through baptism. As you witness a baptism, you have a clear view of the cemetery. This view was designed to tie the proud heritage of this congregation to the hopes of the future. This dramatic symbolism illustrates the life course in visual terms.

The worship center was designed to enhance the sense of community the Commons builds. The congregation surrounds the table where the actions of the liturgy can be experienced. The eye moves easily from one another to the various locations of interest within the celebration: The celebrant, the reader, the gift bearer, the choir, or to wherever the liturgical activity is focusing. The consecrated bread is reserved in the Eucharistic Chapel and is present in the worship center only during the liturgy.

Most startling about the new church is that there are no kneelers in the worship center, The philosophy being that a more fitting posture for participation in the communal worship of the Eucharist is standing. Kneelers are fitting for adoration and perhaps for contemplative prayer, and are seen as an individual (private) approach to prayer. They were not included because of the sense of community that has been strongly emphasized.

The walls are relatively bare with only the Stations of the Cross located across the back. Green plants are located throughout the church, and a statue of Mary is prominent. The lack of statues and other artifacts minimalize the distractions and allow the focus to remain on the altar, pulpit, and people. Another thing people notice is the absence of stained glass windows in the entire facility. There is no stained glass because of the desire for natural lighting and fully utilizing the scenic beauty of the grounds.

Another focal point in the church is the specially-designed pipe organ. Its prominent position in the midst of the people emphasizes the importance of music in the celebration of the liturgy. The church was designed to be acoustically alive in order to bring out the congregational singing and prayer. Quarry tile was used for the floor instead of carpet because carpet deadens the sound.