Holding on to history

COMMERCE, Mo. -- There were times in the past 180 years when the people of St. Paul United Methodist Church believed their church would not survive.

In 1860, the debate over slavery divided the congregation into northern and southern factions.

In the 1930s, the church's fund balances dropped to $1.35.

"I don't see how we can possibly go on, ..." the church secretary wrote at that time.

In 1951, all of the church records burned in a fire. In 1993, the small town of Commerce was flooded by the Mississippi River, but the waters stopped just feet in front of the church doors.

The flood cut the church's membership in half, but left the building itself untouched.

"God just has his reasons why we should be open, or we wouldn't be open," said Sonnie Michael, current secretary.

On Sunday, the church will celebrate its 180th anniversary with a special service followed by lunch and music.

The sanctuary used by the 30 or so attendees each Sunday is more than 115 years old. As church historian Michael Painton will tell you, nearly everything inside the sanctuary has special meaning.

The room has 12 large windows, which represent Jesus' 12 disciples. There's also a triangular stained glass window, which represents the Holy Trinity.

The church bell has summoned the people of Commerce for 130 years.

"The pews are original, too. There's still no cushions," Painton said.

Painton is the grandson of Sonnie Michael, a transplant from Cape Girardeau who arrived in Commerce 30 years ago just in time to be named church secretary. She's been in that position ever since.

When Michael came in the 1970s, the church had about 60 regular attendees. Then the floods of 1993 and 1995 prompted about half of the congregation to move on to churches in Scott City or Cape Girardeau.

"We're just happy with those we're holding and that we've been able to keep the church open this long," Michael said.

Most of those who do still attend actually commute from outside Commerce. Sandra Grantham, chair of the church board, lives in Cape Girardeau but faithfully makes the 30-minute drive for services.

"When you grow up in a small church, it's always in your heart. It's home," Grantham said.

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128