By Alli Schieber, Editor-in-Chief
The First Presbyterian Church of Alva donated its building to NWOSU last month.
The building will be used for Northwestern’s fine arts programs to rehearse and possibly host concerts as well. The Northwestern Band have alredy started using the space for their jazz ensemble rehearsals.
Additionally, the band has been able to use the church’s kitchen to serve meals during band camp.
They also had the leadership team cook a pancake dinner for the other members.
“We are just thrilled to be able to be down there,” said Zachary Tolman director of bands. “We are so grateful to the Presbyterian members and this transition that is happening.”
Tolman also said the university has purchased them some new music stands to use at the church, and they are working on getting quotes for sound treatment for the walls as well as updating the sound system.
“It really will be a wonderful space and already has been,” Tolman said.
While Northwestern currently has full ownership of the building, there are still parts of it that the church is using.
For example, the church is renting the montessori school, and the fine arts department is not using that part of the church currently.
The church also still has their Sunday service there for a small congregation of about 15 people that attend on Sundays.
Since the church is still actively using the building, the University is not changing the name of it right now.
The Presbyterian church has been in Alva for more than 100 years old, and the current building was built in the ‘60s.
“The church has always valued education,” Said Dr. James Bell academic vice president. “They have always valued the arts, and the church still feels very committed to fulfilling a mission of giving back to the community.”
Bell is a member of the Presbyterian Church and said the other members are excited to see the building have a new life that aligns with their values of education, the arts, community and service.