Commerce church refurbished as part of Eagle Scout project

A year of hard work and dedication has made Marcus Painton's Eagle Scout project shine.

Painton chose to refurbish the exterior of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Commerce, Mo. A confirmed member of the church, Painton previously helped his brother, Michael, in an Eagle Scout project to erect a 20-foot cross on a hillside adjacent to the church.

Painton's work included cleaning and painting the church's exterior, caulking and painting window trim, repairing and replacing plexi-glass covers, and installing new outdoor light fixtures.

The gothic revival church, built in 1889, has been spared the flooding problems that have plagued many buildings in this small, river town, so minor touch-ups were all that the building needed to glow.

Painton, the son of Donnie and Rhonda Painton of Painton, Mo., is a Bell City High School sophomore. His grandparents are Bob and Sonnie Michael of Commerce and Shirley Painton of Painton.

He is a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 23 in Advance. His Eagle Scout court of honor was held at the church in November.