Roanoke Church History
In the year 1857, Elder Benedict Weyeneth came to the Roanoke area, referred to by many as the "Prairie". Weyeneth chose to settle near Roanoke because he learned a new railroad was to be built through the area. He felt this would increase the population in the area and that spiritual opportunity would also grow.
1860-1872
This log barn was used when the congregation was too large to assemble in homes.
1861
Built in 1861, this was thought to be the first church built on the Prairie at the site of the present church.
1864-1914
The frame building was enlarged in 1864 and again in 1870. Additions were made to include Sunday school buildings (1905) and a building to house the covered horse-drawn hearse.
1872
This addition was built in 1872. View from the Southeast
View from the Northwest
In 1884, a small church was built in the 400 block of West Davison in Roanoke to accommodate the congregation for mid-week services. With improved transportation, the church in town was no longer needed and was sold on June 28, 1952.
Horse and buggies were used until about 1920. The barns were later used to house automobiles.
1929
In 1929, the building was extensively remodeled which included brick veneering and modern facilities. Dedication for the newly remodeled church was held January 19, 1930.
View of the front.
1955
A small addition was made in 1955. In 1958, the front steps were enclosed and again remodeled to provide for additional Sunday school rooms, dining room, nursery, etc. The baptistery was built within the pulpit area.
1964
Early on the morning of June 20, 1964, the Roanoke congregation saw their church go up in flames and burn to the ground. Late in the night of June 19, the church was apparently struck by lightning and was engulfed in flames shortly before midnight.
1966
This necessitated the planning and building of the present structure. During the time that it took to plan and build the new church, the Roanoke congregation was invited by the Eureka congregation to share in their worship services.
The new church was dedicated on October 30, 1966.