Midland Park November 24, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 11 Church of the Good Shepherd’s building deconsecrated with Epiphany, a similar small congregation. “We had always been an active and energetic congregation, even as our numbers declined, and we wanted to continue to grow,” Morel explained. The original idea had been to maintain Good Shepherd’s building for two years after the merger for special functions and also for the convenience of the nursery school and community groups that used the facility. That all changed when a fire a year ago this week destroyed the original wing of the building that housed the meeting hall and the nursery school. Since then Good Shepherd members, including Morel’s husband, Al, have been transporting keepsakes to their new Allen- Alfred “Pat” Schmalfuhs, left, lights his candle during the ceremony as Bishop Mark Beckwith, right, and Trinity Rector Michael Allen look on. dale home. The flagpole and the flowers around the property were moved, as was much of the furniture and even music sheets dating to the beginning of the last century. Memorial plaques and other memorials were given back to the families that had donated them. The altar and the custommade pews will be given to the new church which is expected to be making the building its home. “It’s good that it’s a church that’s buying the property,” Ruth Morel said. The Episcopal Church in Wortendyke was begun in October 1906 by the superintendent of the Granite Linen Mill and a group of local men. Services were held in various locations, including local residences and in the Wortendyke Field & Stream Club (continued on page 20) The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd’s building in Midland Park was deconsecrated and secularized on Saturday, Nov. 13 in a moving ceremony that saw lifelong parishioners share their memories and finally light their own candles from the Paschal candle to take with them in their journey to their new church and through life. The congregation of the Godwin Avenue church, the fifth oldest in this town of many houses of worship, joined with the Church of the Epiphany in Allendale earlier this year to become Trinity Episcopal Church of Northern Bergen County in Allendale. The Midland Park building is in the process of being sold to another church. “This building is filled to the brim with memories, joys and sorrows,” said Bishop Mark Beckwith. “It will always remain a part of your lives, and you will carry what you experienced here forever and ever,” he added. “We must focus on the people. That is our firm baseline when everything changes around us,” said Joani Zanotti, a Good Shepherd warden. “We have each other. We’ll maintain our family and add new members,” said Ruth Schulze Cross. Alfred “Pat” Schmalfuhs reminisced about the good fellowship he had enjoyed since he joined the church in 1964. He said that when he started teaching special education at Midland Park High School, his classroom was in the basement of the church building, where the board of education rented space. According to lifelong member Ruth Morel, a church committee had been meeting for a year and a half to discuss options for the dwindling congregation after Rev. Charles Arlin announced his intention to retire in February, 2009. Committee members met with all the Episcopal churches in the area before negotiating the agreement Entire purchase with this ad. 1 coupon per customer. No limit with coupon. Not to be combined with any other promotions or offers. Exp. 11/26/10. (Excludes R/C Items & Lionel) 15% Off ONE DAY SALE FRIDAY 11/26 Models, Train Sets, Slot Car Sets, Sci-Fi, Comics, Rockets, Pine Car, Accessories & more. 9 Miller Rd. • Mahwah (next to Rita’s) • 201-252-8421 www.fantasygamesandhobbies.com • We host TCG Tournaments MIDLAND PARK For The Holidays 11-24-10 joan/janine FantasyGamesOneDaySale3x2.5(11-24-10) 3 x 2.5” Rev2 Publication Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2010 Advertising Deadline: Tuesday, December 1, 2010 A Special Supplement to The Villadom Times Call or email Ester today to place your advertisement. ester@villadom.com 201-652-0744 11-24-10---MPForTheHoliday3x6