Bill Mansperger and Kate Moon, memorial chairperson, show off the new audio system and wireless headphones at the Encampment Presbysterian Church Friday morning.
When parishioners quit coming to church because they couldn't hear the sermons, the memorial committee of the Encampment Presbyterian Church knew they had to take action.
Thanks to memorial donations between 2006 and 2013, the church now has wireless headphones to enable hearing-impaired people to hear sermons.
Bill Mansperger uses it during church services.
"It definitely helps me hear every Sunday," Bill said.
When he comes to church on Sunday morning, the headphones are the first thing he grabs, he said.
"A lot of people don't go to church because they can't hear. If you can't hear, you don't go."
Mary Priquet said it works very well. The first donation for headphones was made in Jack Moon's name. Kate Moon chairperson of the memorial committee, Bill and Mary all said there was a need, because there were too many people who could not hear the sermons.
Julia Priquet enjoyed the headphones so much she wanted to take them everywhere with her, Mary said.
After five funerals packed the church with more than 250 people, the committee realized they needed to expand their upgrade, Mary said.
The chapel holds 120 people, so the overflow was moved to the classrooms next to the chapel and the Fellowship Hall downstairs. Those attending funerals could not see or hear the services. The committee purchased television monitors and expanded the sound system through the building, so that everyone can hear and see the services, Miki Laws, the church's minister, said.
"We used to flash praise music on the wall, but no one could see it," Mary said. The television monitors have resolved that problem, too, Mary said.
With the development of technology, families are using slideshows at funerals, and having the television monitors has allowed the church to accommodate the needs of the families, Mary said.
Most the members of the Presbyterian Church are elderly, Mary said. Rick Martin, of Encampment, has been instrumental in helping the church members work out the kinks in the wireless system, Miki said.
After the system was installed, there were problems. Joe Parrie and Rick Martin looked at the system and recommended a consultant to come and help them, Miki said.
Being in a remote area in Encampment, the church has faced some challenges, Mary said, but with Rick's help they are able to use the system. Mary said she is hoping for a "user-user friendly" instruction manual.
The memorial donations, which include endowments from Tom McKenna, Leonard Clark and Vera Oldman have also purchased a new electronic ignition furnace, sound insulation for the chapel's restroom and two new certified ADA certified restrooms. The church also purchased custom storm windows to protect the original glass in the 110-year-old church.
The church was built in 1903 and was a Methodist Church until 1911, when it was purchased by the Presbyterian congregation for one dollar.
All of the projects will be dedicated 1t 10 a.m. Sunday.
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