Adding more touches

Well, lot's of new decor details have been added to both the Chapel and the Vacation Apartment, so I thought I would share a few pictures.
Time is always a factor when we arrive in Kansas, its often a short stay with many "Thing's To Do" on our list, but this time we sure were under huge constraints since we also were scheduling the opening of "Prairie Chic" which is our Antique and Craft store in the downtown area.
Mark worked in the store while I undertook the Chapel list.
I added more Filigree designs to the far wall that faces the open area of the Chapel area.
The panaoramic picture shows the different doors leading to office, grooms room, children's room, waiting room with the Bridal room behind the large pew with newly painted Filigree.

This corner needed just a little detail as you enter into the Chapel itself.

The entire Chapel and Apartment had all the carpeting professionally cleaned for its first event.

Here we have the brand new tables & chairs that were delivered and placed in the newly remodeled RECEPTION Hall. Brand new carpet was installed, fresh paint over dark paneling and a brand new wood dance floor.

The kitchen has 3 brand new stoves, refrigerator and lots of vintage china.

One of the larger guest rooms was painted a new custom color over the original bright orange walls the classroom used to be. Antique bedroom furniture was installed while additional pieces will be transported later in our little trailer.

So little by little, the rooms will come together when other pieces are brought into town.

Redoing the Church School

I thought I would share a few pictures of the current remodeling we are undertaking in the school portion of the St. Mark's Chapel & Center.
This brick building is connected to the Sanctuary, where these two floors housed church offices on the first floor and the second floor had several nurseries and classrooms.
The second floor is now planned as our Vacation apt and will be available to be rented for venue attendees as well.

As you can see, this room was frozen in time, carpet was well worn, paneling was obviously 60's to match the retro furniture left behind.
We knew this room would function as our large living space, kitchen and dining area….so with hammers in hand we started inspecting & planning.
CHECKLIST: Remove paneling, replace with new Sheetrock, add molding, paint
Remove and replace old ceiling tiles, redo lighting.
Peel off the old carpet, remove glue, clean hard wood floors, refinish.

After a couple of months and strenuous days scrapping off the carpet adhesive…..what was revealed was a gorgeous original wood floor that will be a part of our new Living Space.

This picture shows where we have decided to place the kitchen. Looking around the classrooms, we found several separate wood cabinets used for storage when the school was in use. Painted in bright crayola colors we decided to re-use them and place for our new kitchen counters.
Up-cycling is very popular right now, so why not keep something that was a part of this school in our new use of the space…with paint and new hardware its a fun option for great quality wood cabinets.

They are repainted to match our trim and will have new stone counter-tops installed…..but you can see how large the open living space will be for everyone to enjoy.
The walls have been painted with a custom color I mixed, it changes with light, from a sage green to light gray…..I really love how the color matches everything we have planned for the space.

St. Mark's First Official Winter

We just returned to St. Mark's Chapel to find a picture perfect Winter coat of snow, that was to nice not to add to our pictorial history of our new Chapel…so here's a quick snapshot.

Our plans are still scheduled to complete those details needed to get the basement banquet hall ready with new kitchen appliances and flooring for your events. They will be delivered and installed this week. Yay!
But looking at the picture above, I thought about all the wonderful events or weddings that could be held next Winter…..just think of the snow as a backdrop, some twinkling white lights, crisp white linens, silver accents, or go with the bright Holiday Reds and Greens….all just perfect for those planning something special next winter….

With that in mind, I thought I should post some details of the Rates for St. Mark's Chapel for those who have wondered if they could make this their Destination Location.

 Business Hours
         By appointment for you or Event Planner 7 days a week, except Holidays
         Rental Hours     7:30 am to 10 pm Sun - Thurs 
         Rental Hours     7:30 am to 12 am Friday & Saturday   

Rates 
         Mon - Thurs 4 Hours or less $400 more than 4 hours $600
         Friday, Saturday, Sunday 4 hours or less $800
         4 hours or more $1500



Specials:

The use of neighboring School building, Upstairs 2000+ sq foot Apt.
3 Bedrooms, One full bath with antique Claw Foot tub and separate powder room.
Large open space Living Room and Kitchen for your use. 

Friday to Saturday 1:00pm includes 3 bedroom Apt  sleeps 6 $3200
Saturday to Sunday 1:00pm with Apt $ 3200
Friday to Monday 10 am with Apt $4000



 St. Mark's is available and easily assessable for viewing by making an appointment with our local Manager Stephanie Gilbert, who also manages Prairie Chic and can be contacted there as well.
                                      http://www.prairiechickansas.blogspot.com
Feel free to contact us with questions and check in often as we will be posting more pictures soon.

Destination..... Kansas

Let me introduce the new Chapter of  St. Mark's Chapel and Event Center, located in Herington, Kansas.

This former United Methodist Church was established in this rural Kansas community in the late 1890's.

Like so many other rural areas around the country, this gorgeous building was facing the sad reality that its congregation was diminishing and aging fast. They would have to close their doors and sell off the Church, School and Parsonage.

Would another congregation find use in it? Would a developer see potential? Would neglect and lack of interest cause this staple of Faith and Family end up in ruins?

 

As avid Web cruisers or surfers.....my husband and I came across pictures of this elegant structure when it was listed for sale.

Something special called us, even through the computer screen.....we knew we had to make a trip to see for ourselves why this church was calling us all the way from Texas to Kansas......

We arrived and felt the special and unique opportunity this majestic building held within its brick structure.

As our hearts echoed and our eyes feed on the beauty of the antique stained  glass windows. We walked the building, the flickering alter lights were a beckon of happiness that called my husband even closer to inspect and relish in the possibilities this church still had to offer those who could find themselves sharing in its beauty.

As an Artist, I found myself drawn to the craftsmanship of the brilliant stained glass windows that adorned the entire building and the main Chapel, but my husband stood wide eyed as he focused on the larger Rose window over the Pipe Organ.

 

We stood shoulder to shoulder and knew we had to keep this Church alive......it needed to be shared with others.... taking this adventure one step at a time.  Here were are...ready to share its Beauty for those planning to Marry, have family reunions, special reunions or other events that would find our Chapel to be ideal for their special occasion.

It's now St. Mark's Chapel and Event Center of Herington, Kansas.

The people of Herington are excited to have it's glorious church kept alive with the prospects of new visitors sharing it's Blessings. Many locals are available to help out of town attendees, but those who schedule their own events are welcomed to rent the Church and Banquet Hall with their own Event Planner or Caterer.

 

Pictures will be added soon as we develop our web site, but we're on Pinterest posting the renovation taken so far.

 

http://www.pinterest.com/deepintor/

Or visit our sister site

http://prairiechickansas.blogspot.com/

And ask Stephanie for more details.

 

The Chapel is available for those interested in scheduling upcoming events or weddings.....so feel free to contact us for more info on rates and availability.

Basement was the former Church banquet area and is large enough for small receptions with a full kitchen for your caterers.

 

School building is being remodeled to accommodate several bedrooms and open living space for those out of town guests who prefer to share one large space during their event.

So those of you who always wanted to have a special ceremony in a Historical Chapel without the fear that your membership is needed ....this is where St. Mark's makes those moments possible, have your "Destination" Wedding with us.

We provide the location, you provide the guests.