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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
September 2002 |
Country Church:
Walgreens co-founder still makes sure church spreads love through Versailles
By Matthew Oates
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VERSAILLES, Ind. -- James Tyson's legacy can be found scattered everywhere in the United States except in his hometown of Versailles. There, he left a different legacy.
Tyson helped start Walgreens, the drug store found everywhere except Versailles. Instead, he left his fortune to the local United Methodist Church to distribute to the town every Sept. 14 -- his birthday -- to benefit the community.
Thanks to him, Versailles residents have septic tanks, a sewer plant and water works, a library and a one-of-a-kind United Methodist Church.
"A lot of residents have benefited from Mr. Tyson's gift," says the Rev. Michael Hendrix. "It's a neat experience to be able to help people like that."
That gift comes from the 18,000 shares of Walgreens stock he left for the church in the 1930s to distribute to the community. More than 70 years later, those shares have multiplied and the endowment fluctuates between $18 to $21 million.
Some of the fund even helps maintain the art deco church he designed and built in memory of his mother. The terra cotta façade, riveted copper roof, aluminum spire, marble floors, 400-pound metal front doors and other hard-to-find items truly make it one of a kind, not only in Indiana, but in the nation.
"Everything in here is very hard to find," says Betty Baugh, a lifetime member, custodian and tour guide. "There are no nails in this church."
While Betty is involved in other aspects of the ministry of the church, when someone comes in to see the church or take pictures, she's there telling the history and meaning behind the colors and symbols (biblical), the architecture (from Tyson's travels around the world) and stories of faith. "It's a church first, museum second. It's a house of God."
Hendrix and the church keep the community well-fed throughout the week by offering numerous ministries. The church has started Disciple Bible Study, revitalized junior church for younger children and is working to follow up with visitors and newcomers to the Versailles area. Other projects include numerous Bible studies, supporting the local food pantry, and providing outreaches to the numerous elderly members of the community.
The main church building houses the sanctuary and a basement, where the church office and Sunday school rooms are located. The pastor's office is located in a parsonage annex, and the church built a fellowship hall on the other side of the parsonage.
"His intention was to take care of everything in the church," quips Betty as she explains everything about it to the HUM News, just as she would to the average 10 to 15 tourists that come to see the church every week. "It's a very expensive church -- building-wise -to take care of."
Worshipping in the one-of-a-kind church has some advantages. The ornate sanctuary is framed by ornate pillars that represent the Taj Mahal and includes a beautifully painted autumn evening sky, blue domed ceiling with stars that mark the night Tyson's mother died. "It's just peaceful in here. It's just comfortable," says Baugh. "It's kind of like my home away from home."
NOTE: When the Hoosier United Methodist News changes format next year, the Country Church feature is changing too. We'll be doing more with pictures and less with text. We're also looking for four churches who want to participate. Please send your nominations for the "new" Country Church column to Matthew Oates at wmoates@nlci.com and prepare for a new look.
Last updated on 01/14/2004