Built in 1890, the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church stands to this day on the site it was moved to after being pushed off its foundation in 1894
In June of 1894, the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Callaway was moved off its foundation by a tornado. The community came together to move the church to its current location where services were held until about 40 years ago. Now, nearly 131 years since the day of the tornado, the community is being asked to come together to preserve its historical stained glass windows.
The mission
Seven Valleys Historical Society President and longtime member Donna Glendy and Secretary Chris Johnson said that three bids with varying amounts of work, and therefore cost, were given by Willet Stained Glass Studios. The lowest of the three, in an amount of $20,953 , was the only option financially possible.
Glendy, Johnson, and their cohorts are now asking for help raising the dollars needed to slow the deterioration of the nine windows. Each window would have current aging screens removed, be re-cemented on their existing surface, have loose paint on the outer surface removed, have a primer and finish coat applied, and have protective coverings installed over them to hold up to harsh Nebraska storms.
Although the bid amount being pursued doesn't include re-leading or repair of the window frames, Glendy and Johnson felt strongly about its ability to ensure the windows can continue to catch sunlight and amaze visitors.
Once all nine windows are protected, they will be able to be re-leaded as money allows.
In addition to a round window above the church's alter, eight skyscraper-shaped windows line the side walls near the church's pews. Each holds its own specific story and connection to Callaway and the church's history does indicate they were removed at one time and sent to Omaha by the guild to be repaired.
The help so far
In a recent letter asking members for 2025 dues, a second line item for donations to the window restoration was made available which brought in nearly $6,000. John Deardorff, who lived in Callaway in the 40's made a donation in an amount covering the cost of one window, challenging other community members past and present to match his contribution.
Paired with a contribution from the village of Callaway and a $5,500 grant awarded by the Custer County Foundation this last week, goal achievement moves closer but more funds are still needed.
The window protection project comes on the heels of a 2024 project that focused on the foundation of the building and the basement, which was used as classrooms.
"We've done that in the last year, back to 2024 is when we re-blocked the basement to keep the critters out and then put a new coat of paint on it," Johnson explained.
Church history
The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church was one of the first churches in the Callaway area, built in 1890 at a cost of $1,500. Services were initially held once per month, and sometimes twice. By 1900, services were held in the morning and evening each Sunday as the congregation quickly grew to exceed 50.
The bell that sits in a display outside of the church now once hung above and was rung regularly. Cast by John Taylor and Company of England (who also cast the U.S. Liberty Bell), George O. Benger was integral in obtaining it.
"The company replied that they would make the bell if the congregation would pay the freight for the transport of it to the United States," said Glendy.
After the shove off of its foundation by a tornado in 1894, the churched moved from what is now the football practice field to where it sits to this day.
At the turn of the century, the church had a Sunday school with 40 teachers and scholars. Through the years it became smaller and smaller before being dropped. It made a return in 1946 when 20 or more pupils were enrolled.
In 1909, a pipe organ purchased from the church in Kearney was installed. To this day, the church is furnished with a large number of antiques. Paired with the iron bell, the significance of the building to the Seven Valleys Museum is obvious.
The church today
The building was given to the village of Callaway in 1995, as the church wanted to transfer it to a government entity. An agreement was signed that the Historical Society would oversee the church with the help of the village on and off.
Glendy and Johnson said that every now and then the church is used to host an event or gathering. Couples that live in Callaway or have connections to the town have reached out to get married in the church. Specific personal memories and stories from family members alike have fueled desires to wed in the historical church.
The future pages of the strong-standing church's history have yet to be written, but there is no doubt the beautiful glass that spills colorful sunlight inside is important both now and beyond.