Norfolk church spiffs up

NORFOLK, Neb. — Everything old is new again at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Norfolk, Neb.

That's the idea behind the parish's effort to refurbish the interior as the 102-year-old church building undergoes the first of several phases to prepare for a milestone anniversary.

“We thought it would be a nice Christmas gift to ourselves if we could get it done and have it looking really nice,” said Gary Bretschneider, who is on the committee responsible for the project.

The paint and canvas refurbishment is the first in a series of projects the parish hopes to complete before the parish celebrates its 150th year, which is eight years away.

Karl Reeder of Reeder Originals in Norfolk is stripping the altar area of the church and adding a gold and marbled facade.

His portion of the project includes touching up the church's statues and adding more detail and color.

“He's replacing hands that some people painted over probably 60 years ago,” Bretschneider said.

In addition, Custom Paint and Design is painting the rest of the interior ceilings and walls.

“We are going back to the traditional look, the way it was designed in 1907,” Bretschneider said.

Bretschneider said a couple of members of the church recognized the need for the project to be completed. After the John and Edna Kayl family trust contributed $7,500, the church was able to start the project.

Bretschneider said he's excited about the work because of the way the traditional colors have enhanced existing features in the church.

“What our color scheme has done — now you can notice the stained-glass windows and the colors,” he said. “I think that's what they did back in 1907.”

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