Sts. Peter and Paul, North Ellinwood, suffers major damage in storm

Friends and neighbors of Sts. Peter and Paul church in North Ellinwood are on pins and needles, awaiting final word from a Wichita engineer as to whether or not the structure is sound enough to be restored. The building received significant damage in the May 4 storms that raked across SW Kansas. According to Joe Hickel, a member of the Sts. Peter and Paul Heritage Association Board of Trustees, the engineer visited the church May 17, after press time. The future of the 115-year-old structure, which closed as a parish in 1986, all comes down to the engineer’s word, Hickel said. When information is released on the future of the structure, it will be place on line at www.dcdiocese.org/swkregister.

UPDATE -- The historic Sts. Peter and Paul Church will stay. According to Hickel, the structure will receive limited restoration. The building will be re-roofed, and the steeple capped. The interior will also be restored. More restoration may occur as funding allows. More information to come.