STANLEY — The former First Presbyterian Church has been enjoying new life as the Sibyl Center, a cultural center where citizens of Stanley enjoy musical and cultural events.

For instance, the Sons of Norway Dancers from Tioga will present an early celebration of Syttende Mai there 7 p.m. Saturday.

Last summer a handful of cultural events were held in the building, according to Tyra Rolfe, secretary of the Sibyl Center board of directors.

"It definitely has ambiance," Rolfe said.

So far, the Sibyl Center has hosted mainly musical events. Rolfe said the group would like to rent it out for other occasions eventually.

"We have high hopes for the building," she said, adding that it would be a nice place for wedding receptions and other special occasions.

The board feels that the Sibyl Center fills a special need in Stanley for a beautiful place to gather. Though there are other places available, such as the high school gymnasium, the old church is especially pretty.
 
Background

The Sibyl Center was reborn due to the efforts of historical buffs and former alumni of the church who didn't want to see it torn down.

After the church was closed due to lack of membership, it was given to the town in hope that some use could be found for it. The town sought out grants but was unable to get anything going, and the building was then scheduled to be torn down.

Rolfe said a group formed that wanted to save the building, which has been called an "architectural gem" by Preservation North Dakota, a group that saves prairie churches. The old church, Rolfe said, is a fine example of Tudoresque and Romanesque architecture.

An all-school reunion in town helped raise awareness of the campaign to save the church. Don Hoirup, who is married to former Stanley resident Marlene Jensen Hoirup, helped the group organize too, said Rolfe. She said the Hoirups served as "cheerleaders" for the campaign.

After much persuasion by members of the preservation group, Rolfe said the Stanley city council agreed to give the building to the group for use as a cultural center in the fall of 2002. The group sent out a fund-raising letter, seeking donations from alumni of the church and other donors. So far the group has raised $100,000 for use at the Sibyl Center.

The building is currently undergoing renovation. Like most old buildings, it needs work, but the group sees lots of possibilities for it.

The Sibyl Center was named in honor of Sibyl MacDonald, a Stanley music teacher who left her estate to the First Presbyterian Church. Rolfe said it seemed suitable to honor her since she was a musician and she obviously loved the building. A piano dedication is scheduled for next month.