By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The Immanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger, Kansas was built in 1887. The church was moved from the unincorporated community in south Russell County to south Hoisington in 1971. Mostly unused for decades, Debbie Deutsch has had her eye on the structure for years.
Deutsch opened the Corinthians Hill Event Center, just north of Great Bend and Barton Community College, in 2020 with the idea to have a church on site for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
"This was always the vision," said Deutsch. "I wanted to be able to offer weddings that can be done in a church as well as for inclement weather. Rather than having to sit at a table to watch a bride and groom when it's pouring outside. You can at least go inside a church while it's pouring. It was always the plan."
With more than 40 years of interior design experience, Deutsch operates Cornerstone Interiors in Great Bend, and eventually started decorating for peopleās weddings.
Along with a house and venues on site for receptions and events, Deutsch hired a moving company to haul the church Wednesday morning from its location near Hoisington to the foundation installed at Corinthians Hill.
"I have wanted this church for about 10 years," said Deutsch. "Probably five years ago, I approached the owner and asked him if he would be willing to sell it. He said yes. I wasn't quite ready for it. When I was ready for it about a month ago, I approached him again. We made a deal, and the movers had availability."
Deutsch said the church is roughly 61 feet long by 32 feet wide and was listed to fit ā300 soulsā inside. Renovations to the church will get started soon in its new location.
"I have a vision for the whole thing," added Deutsch. "I'm not done, trust me."