Erma Dodd, a longtime member of the church, explained, “The chapel here was made in honor of my mother, Lurline Saveikis.”

   Since attending Montours at the age of two, Erma’s lifelong memories from the church are what have helped keep her active in the congregation and ministry. The chapel’s breathtaking beauty is an excellent reminder of Dodd’s late mother and the wonder brought about by God’s creation. With stained glass mosaic windows and its modern yet authentic interior, the chapel’s unique and attractive design draws the attention of many.

   In addition to the chapel’s eye-catching interior, it was also constructed to attract attention from the outside. According to Dodd, a cross was built into the roof of the building. The idea behind this design was that anyone flying over would be able to see the cross while in the air. 

   The chapel has become a spectacle and a place of faith to many. Most recently, musician Ronny Munroe recorded a music video for his song “Pray” with his band at Montours’ chapel. Hankey Farms resident Cyndi Roach connected the band to Montours with the thinking that it would be an excellent filming location. 

   “With the stained glass and the beauty of the chapel, I thought this would be a great place to film,” explained Cyndi. “It is an intimate setting and its modern look is alternative to what you normally see in churches… the angel in the stained glass was perfect for this song.” 

   She expects the “Pray” video to be released this spring.

   Montours has brought great happiness and comfort to some of its oldest and lifelong members, like Everett Cheesebrough. Both he and his wife, Shirley, have been active in Montours for the past 60 years. Others, like Judy Hayes and Erma, have also been active participants in the church’s ministry. Hayes serves as the church’s clerk of session and helps keep the membership informed as she edits the monthly newsletter. Though the church has undergone some renovations and changes since its formation over two centuries ago, members of the congregation say that they have always strived to keep their focus on the tradition of their faith.

   “So much of this place is tradition. Not much has changed,” Erma said.

   It’s not just the lifelong members of the church who have helped keep the faith alive. A great amount of life in the church comes from Montour’s thirtieth pastor, Reverend James Evans.

   “When I arrived, I knew that I was coming to a church with a long and special history which has served as a firm foundation upon which to build ministry for the future,” said James. 

   In addition to leading worship, James has also had the joy of teaching both adults and the church’s youth group.

   “Pastor Evans is a great teacher,” said Erma.

   He also visits members of the church in their homes and incorporates his love of playing the guitar into his ministry. James and his family share actively in the life of the congregation. 

   “My children have grown up in this congregation and we have been blessed by the generous support we have received from the members,” he said.

   While the church’s founders wanted to build a place where all would feel close to God, they likely couldn’t have imagined how it would change people. Over the past 30 years, the church has become more than just God’s house on the hill for its faithful members. For some, it has also become a safe haven. Each week, Montours provides its space as a place of refuge for those in rehabilitation and outreach groups. During the week, Montours hosts groups such as Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Al-Anon for family members of recovering addicts. It also hosts its Domestic Outreach Center. All are welcome, regardless of their faith. A true sense of support has developed as a result of their meetings - meetings that might not have been possible without the church. Erma says that these groups consist largely of people who are not already members of church’s congregation.

    “We provide a place for them so they can meet and find peace,” she says. 

    The church also hosts local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, allowing them to use their campus as a gathering space for meetings.

   Over the years, Montours formed a group called Eager Hands to help knit blankets, scarves, and bonnets for the food pantry and for Choices Pregnancy Center. Following Hurricane Ivan in 2004, when Oakdale was devastated by a flood, members of Oakdale’s Good Shepherd Church joined together with Montours. Church members saw others in need, and made themselves available to reach out and welcome members from Good Shepherd to Montours with open arms.

   “I am never surprised when I see congregation members reaching out to others in need,” said James. “It is simply part of who they are.”

   There is a true sense of peace and service that exists even outside the weekly Sunday morning service. That sense of community and service to others is what has carried Montours through the years, and its members are working to keep that ministry going for the next 235 years. •