WALLACE — When Phanuel Lutheran Church held its final worship service in 2018, the congregation gave the building to Indiana Landmarks, which began looking for a historically-minded buyer.
“With its special character and serene setting,” the listing from the nonprofit preservation group read, “the property is ideally suited for use as a unique family home, weekend retreat, or artist’s live-work studio.”
Jamey Link had another idea for the 103-year-old building, nestled in a cemetery a short drive from the town’s main drag. Link and his business partner Mark Seymour purchased the property and, after weeks of renovations, the Historic Lutheran Church Event Center is ready for its debut.
The sanctuary’s arched stained-glass windows will form the backdrop for weddings. A downstairs banquet hall is available for receptions, business meetings, parties and fundraisers.
The new owners agreed to preserve the stone-columned exterior and include the Lutheran heritage in the facility’s name. While it is a non-religious venue, artifacts including the baptismal font and hymnals have been saved as a lasting tribute to the congregation.
“Finding the Indiana Landmarks was probably a savior for them, knowing that something good was still going to happen,” said Jamey’s wife, Kyan, who grew up attending Bible schools and 4-H meetings at the church.
The first church in Jackson Township, Phanuel Lutheran was established in the 1820s by German-speaking families who migrated to the area from North Carolina.
In 1906, one of the church’s earlier buildings was struck by lightning, killing one of the women inside practicing for a skit. Crawfordsville architect George T. Griffith built the current building in 1917.
“I do know some of the members that were still attending here,” Kyan Link said, “and I think over the years, you know, the congregation had dwindled down and several people had passed away, so it was a very small number.
“And that’s just sad, you know, when they … just feel like they have to give it in,” she added.
When Indiana Landmarks posted the listing, Jamey Link called his sister Diandre Malone, who owns a wedding planning business called Simply Chic Wedding Design.
“He said, ‘Hey, you want to buy a church?’ He knew I was looking at trying to build a wedding venue and I said, ‘Oh, no,’ because I had something very specific in mind,” Malone recalled.
Link didn’t want to see the community lose access to the property, where he and his wife’s families are buried. The graveyard, which is still active, was not part of the listing.
In the church, the new owners discovered old Easter decorations and booklets detailing Phanuel’s history. A minister’s robe hung next to a cross in a room off the sanctuary where historical items will be put on display.
Walls were repainted and the restroom received an update, but no other major renovations were needed.
“They took very good care of this building for as old as it is. I mean, it’s in great shape,” said Malone, who decorated the banquet area.
Black metal lanterns and faux greenery sat on rows of tables in the basement. A dressing area sported a large chalkboard found in the church.
Tours will be given during an open house from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 8 at the venue, 2720 E. Lutheran Church Road, Wallace.
The facility can be reached at 765-390-1551 or online at www.historicchurcheventcenter.com
