Sibyl Center for Life Enrichment ~ Stanley, ND

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Letter to Alumni and Friends of Stanley: December 2002

Two years ago the First Presbyterian Church in Stanley was decommissioned and the property was deeded to the City. Recently the Council turned over the property to the Center for Life Enrichment, Inc., a non-profit Stanley group whose purpose is to preserve this classic example of Prairie Church architecture.

The Center has named the former church the Sibyl Center for Life Enrichment to honor the memory of Sibyl MacDonald. As you likely recall, Sibyl taught piano to hundreds of us 'kids' in Stanley. She left most of her estate to the Presbyterian Church and without that bequest we would probably have no building to preserve!

Sibyl Center If you're from the 'old' school, you'll recall strolling by the church on your way home or with your friends to Hohn's or Rexall. The building stands as stately now as it did back then, stained-glass windows and all, but it needs your help in refreshing itself.

Fortunately, the building is structurally sound but full renovation will require a new roof, basement floor, heating and air-conditioning, modernized restrooms, handicap access, etc. We have already made necessary winter repairs.

After the structure is renovated, we expect that the Sibyl Center will be a first-class facility for a variety of functions including dinner theater, concerts, weddings, receptions, meetings, and school-related activities.

How much will it cost? The Center's five-year plan envisions outflows of about $200,000, nearly all to be funded by gifts. The major expenses—structural work, furnishings, and operating costs—will occur in the next two years. To meet the timetable, we need to raise $150,000 in 2003.

So we're asking you to pitch in with a cash donation or a pledge. Whatever you can give will be added to the $25,000 in donations we've already received (including a $5500 grant from Preservation North Dakota which calls the church an "architectural gem").

In addition to monetary contributions, we welcome donations of good kitchen equipment, office materials and furniture. Piano, anyone?

We've enclosed a card for your pledge/donation. If you prefer, you can make a pledge from our website www.sibylcenter.org. You'll also want to check the Sibyl Center website for photos, news, and more information.

Thanks for your generosity,

The Board and Friends of the Sibyl Center for Life Enrichment

PS: Plan to join your friends in Stanley for the Fourth of July in 2003 for the dedication of the Sibyl Center and the Music & Arts Festival! If you would like to perform during the Festival, let us know as soon as possible.

News of the Sibyl Center: October 15, 2002

The Center for Life Enrichment, Inc., is a non-profit corporation established to enrich the greater Stanley, North Dakota community by encouraging the quest for learning, aesthetics, youth development and the arts.

At its October 2002 meeting, Stanley's City Council voted unanimously to transfer the city's ownership of the former First Presbyterian Church to the Center for Life Enrichment, Inc.

With the transfer, CLE will move forward to renovate, utilize and maintain the church property. Completed in 1928, the building is an architectural treasure. Like the Flickertail Village in Stanley, it will contribute significantly to the cultural assets of the entire community, a community where aesthetics, beauty and the arts have always been an essential part of the people's 100-year prairie history.

The Center for Life Enrichment is a project of families and alumni from Stanley and surrounding communities and supported by many friends and professionals who offer their time and expertise. Renovation and development will continue for three to five years to bring the project to reality.

The corporation has 501(c)3 non-profit status through
the Preservation North Dakota affiliate program.

Letter from Preservation North Dakota
to the Center, October 3, 2002

"I would like to thank you for your invitation to meet with your board and the opportunity to visit Stanley, ND again. I was finally able to have a whirl-a-whip! It is certainly amazing how that little one-of-a-kind treat has brought world-wide attention to the city of Stanley.

"I firmly believe there is a wealth of opportunity that could promote the re-use of one of Stanley's historic resources and add another one-of-a-kind attraction to the community. The Presbyterian Church, built in 1928, is certainly an architectural gem; worthy of your best efforts to preserve and share with future generations.

"The architecture of the structure is an excellent example of Tudor style architecture with Romanesque influences. The building's architecture meets the National Register Sibyl Center requirements of integrity, age and significance. The building is eligible for the register under Criterion C for its architectural merits. It is the most remarkable example of this style that I observed in Stanley. The intact interior further enhances its chances of being listed. The church may be eligible under other criteria as well, depending on further research.

"During my assessment and documentation of the building, I noted no immediate liability risks, or any signs of damage to the structural systems of the building. It is apparent that the building needs to be shingled, have trees removed from the site, and have some of the site sloped for better drainage. Interior items needing repair were mostly cosmetic in nature.

"I would urge your board to develop a rehabilitation plan that addresses the above issues over a specified time-frame—say a '5-year plan'. Roof concerns must be addressed first. Preservation North Dakota has received your grant application, and it will be reviewed at our October 4, 2002 meeting. It certainly appears that the building meets our grant requirement, and your application was complete....

"It seems that your board can fulfill the city's task of finding a new use for the building, take the liability issues presented by a vacant building off the city council's hands, provide a suitable home for your organization's purposes and preserve a historic resource for the entire community. I can't imagine a better outcome for all parties involved.

"There are cities across the state that would jump at the chance to welcome an opportunity like this, to grow the community, promote an appreciation for arts and culture, and preserve the city's irreplaceable heritage. Most city councils simply do not have the opportunity, or the community interest that is so apparent in Stanley. Everyone I spoke with during my visit to Stanley from the hotel, restaurants, stations and the stores on Main Street were all excited about the opportunity that this plan presents.

"I would be happy to answer any questions that you, your board, or your city council members may have. I can provide more information on the National Register of Historic Places process and help dispel many of the 'myths' that surround the program. I would also be able to share success stories of other organizations doing similar projects from around the state—many in communities much smaller than Stanley. Please feel free to contact me if you need further information or assistance."

Dale Bentley, Executive Director
Preservation North Dakota
www.prairiechurches.org

The Foundation for Life Enrichment, Inc. ~ PO Box 628 ~ Stanley, ND 58784
Email: info@sibylcenter.org ~ Web: www.sibylcenter.org

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