An historic Springfield building is sitting in a new spot after a major effort to move it. KSMU's Michele Skalicky has more.
Timmons Temple was built in 1932 on E. Webster near what is now Silver Springs Park. The church served the African-American community for more than 80 years.
Today, with the help of 80 semi tires, special dollies and other equipment, the 400,000 pound rock structure was moved next to its new home in the park.
Lori Tack watched as the building was being moved. She was involved in the effort to save Timmons Temple from the beginning.
"I know that later tonight when it all sinks in, it's gonna be happy tears," she said.
TJ Appleby was also among several people who gathered to watch as the building was slowly taken down Webster to its new location between the tennis courts and the baseball diamond. He was pastor there for 11 years before the congregation moved to a new building.
"I just think this is so awesome. It's just like the best ending that we ever could have thought of," he said.
Philicia Bruce brought her young son to watch as the church, the first one he attended, was moved.
"This is the first church he danced down the aisle and my two younger children--they were both brought into this church," she said.
Excavation is expected to begin right away, weather permitting, so that a new foundation can be poured. Then, the church will be placed onto the new site and used as a community building for years to come.
Donations for work on Timmons Temple are still being collected. To learn more, click here.
