Missouri temple gets reprieve from wrecking ball

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Preservationists have won a one-month reprieve for moving an 80-year-old rock-walled temple in Springfield that is slated for demolition.

The preservationists are working to raise money to move the Timmons Temple building in Springfield because of its historical significance for the city's black community. The group has collected more than $70,000 and in-kind donations but estimates it needs about $130,000 more to move the structure and have it placed soundly in a nearby park.

The Springfield News-Leader reported the building was scheduled for demolition in June.

The preservation group said last week the developer of the property, who hopes to build an apartment complex on the plot of land where the temple stands, has granted an extension. The deadline for pledges and donations has been extended to July 14.

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Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com