KANSAS CITY, Mo. Danielle Benson is eternally grateful her life was spared on Thanksgiving, after the minivan she was in got caught in the crossfire of a late-night shooting outside the Troost Market.

"I was praying that I don't get shot," Benson said Tuesday. "I couldn't even get down there because my seat was too far up."

Benson's son and brother were still inside the convenience store when the gunfire stopped. It would eventually cost a man his life and this mother of eight children lost her own way of getting around.

"We got to get to the store and during this Corona[virus pandemic], we can't ask people for rides," Benson said. "We have to literally pay out of pocket to ask people to take us to the store."

But that might soon change.

"She was in the wrong place; wrong time," Jean Peters Baker, Jackson County, Missouri, prosecutor, said.

Peters Baker's office is working to raise money to replace Benson's minivan through a GoFundMe campaign.

"While we can replace doors and windows, we can replace tires, sometimes we cannot replace vehicles," Baker said, referring to the Caring for Crime Survivors program created in 2018. "So thats why were asking for others to help us, even in small amounts, to help us get there."

Other members of the community also are stepping up.

A KCPD spokesperson told 41 Action News they have identified a person of interest in this case. As detectives search for the suspected killer, the departments social workers are helping Benson's family.

"I know a lot of people say stuff about the police, but just seeing how they helped me in this situation I know all of them [are] not bad," Benson said.

The prosecutor's office, with the help of community members, launched the GoFundMe campaign Wednesday afternoon.

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KC mother of 8 loses minivan in shooting; prosecutor seeks donations to replace it - KSHB

By Monica Laliberte, WRAL executive producer/5 on Your Side reporter

While landscape re-dos, painting and organizing are typically among the most popular home projects, there are a few chores you should see to regularly to keep your family safe.

Start in your laundry room. The washer and dryer are workhorses that need attention to keep from causing you a flood, or worse, fire.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryers spark nearly 17,000 fires each year. So at least once a year, vacuum and clean out the air duct and port in the back of the dryer.

Cleaning the lint out of your dryer can actually help the appliance run more efficiently and dry better and cleaning the duct work in particular can help prevent dryer fire, says Paul Hope with Consumer Reports.

Next, check the water hoses on the back of your washer. They should be replaced every five years. If they look brittle, swap them out with a braided, stainless steel version.

Check all doors for loose hinges and tighten screws.

If they just spin, try this contractor tip: Remove the screw and coat two to three toothpicks with wood glue, then push them into the screw hole. Break off the ends that stick out. Once it dries, tighten your screw back in.

In the bathroom, unclog the shower head by soaking it in distilled vinegar for an hour.

For grimy grout and caulk, try a bleach pen.

"If you find that bleach doesnt get out all the stubborn stains from your bathroom, it may be time to re-caulk or even re-grout between the tiles. Caulking is an easy job you can do yourself in an hour or two. While re-grouting between tiles is usually a job best left to the pros, said Hope.

Finally, clean the windows. Choose a cloudy day. Full sun could increase streaks, so can using an ammonia-based cleaner.

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Homeowners: You need to replace this every 5 years - WRAL.com

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Tempered Glass Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2020-2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global tempered glass market grew at a CAGR of 6% during 2014-2019. Looking forward, the global tempered glass market to be negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. From 2021 onwards, we expect the market to recover and grow moderately during 2021-2025

Tempered glass refers to a type of safety glass that is treated by tempering to impart high durability and strength. The tempering process, involving thermal or chemical treatments, compresses the glass surface, thereby reducing the risks of breakage. Tempered glass is more efficient than the conventional annealed glass in terms of heat resistivity, design versatility, lightweight, scratch resistance, and tensile strength.

Owing to these benefits, it has diverse applications across various sectors, including consumer electronics, automobile, home furnishing, construction, etc. Rapid digitalization coupled with the increasing penetration of smart consumer electronics such as, smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc., is primarily driving the demand for tempered glass.

Furthermore, the increasing awareness towards several structural properties such as durability, thermal shock resistance, tensile strength, etc. has catalyzed the product demand in the automotive and electronic sectors. In addition to this, rapid development in the construction industry has led to the increasing utilization of tempered glass as a durable building material in doors, windows, facades, skylights, etc.

Both developed and developing economies are experiencing high demand for tempered glass owing to the rising construction activities including smart housing projects and increasing demand for smart consumer electronics. Rapid urbanization and rising government expenditure on infrastructural development is also contributing to the escalating market growth in these regions.

Furthermore, remodeling activities across these markets have also led to the replacement of traditional glass with tempered glass in both residential and commercial infrastructures.

Moreover, the rising usage of tempered glass for automobile manufacturing, owing to its lightweight and high strength is further catalyzing the market growth.

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

Key Topics Covered:

1 Preface

2 Scope and Methodology

2.1 Objectives of the Study

2.2 Stakeholders

2.3 Data Sources

2.4 Market Estimation

2.5 Forecasting Methodology

3 Executive Summary

4 Introduction

4.1 Overview

4.2 Key Industry Trends

5 Global Tempered Glass Market

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.3 Impact of Covid-19

5.4 Market Forecast

6 Market Breakup by Type

6.1 Plain Glass

6.2 Coloured Glass

7 Market Breakup by Shape

7.1 Flat Tempered Glass

7.2 Bent tempered Glass

8 Market Breakup by Application

8.1 Construction

8.1.1 Market Trends

8.1.2 Major Types

8.1.2.1 Residential

8.1.2.2 Commercial

8.1.2.3 Industrial

8.1.3 Market Forecast

8.2 Automotive

8.2.1 Market Trends

8.2.2 Major Types

8.2.2.1 Rear Window

8.2.2.2 Slide Window

8.2.3 Market Forecast

8.3 Home Appliances

8.3.1 Market Trends

8.3.2 Major Types

8.3.2.1 Refrigerators

8.3.2.2 Washing Machine

8.3.2.3 Microwave and Oven

8.3.3 Market Forecast

8.4 Gadgets

8.4.1 Market Trends

8.4.2 Major Types

8.4.2.1 Smartphones

8.4.2.2 Tablets

8.4.2.3 Laptop and Computers

8.4.3 Market Forecast

8.5 Others

9 Market Breakup by Region

10 SWOT Analysis

10.1 Overview

10.2 Strengths

10.3 Weaknesses

10.4 Opportunities

10.5 Threats

11 Value Chain Analysis

12 Porters Five Forces Analysis

12.1 Overview

12.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers

12.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

12.4 Degree of Competition

12.5 Threat of New Entrants

12.6 Threat of Substitutes

13 Competitive Landscape

13.1 Market Structure

13.2 Key Players

13.3 Profiles of Key Players

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fs73lb

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Global Tempered Glass Market Report 2020: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecasts 2014-2019 & 2020-2025 -...

Listen and subscribe to The Argument from your mobile device:

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As part of our series The 46th, the hosts and guests on The Argument are debating what America under a Biden administration might and should look like.

This week, Ross Douthat is joined first by Jane Coaston, formerly of The Weeds, and future host of The Argument. Together they discuss the reasons for widespread theories of voter fraud among the Republican electorate and what led to such a moment. Then, the senior elections analyst of Real Clear Politics, Sean Trende, joins the pair to discuss the future of Trumpism and whether anybody else can capture the Republican Party quite like Donald Trump. And finally, Jane recommends building your character and your calf muscles.

How to listen to The Argument:

Press play or read the transcript (found by midday Friday above the center teal eye) at the top of this page, or tune in on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher or your preferred podcast listening app. Tell us what you think at argument@nytimes.com.

Ive been an Op-Ed columnist since 2009, and I write about politics, religion, pop culture, sociology and the places where they intersect. Im a Catholic and a conservative, in that order, which means that Im against abortion and critical of the sexual revolution, but I tend to agree with liberals that the Republican Party is too friendly to the rich. I was against Donald Trump in 2016 for reasons specific to Donald Trump, but in general I think the populist movements in Europe and America have legitimate grievances and I often prefer the populists to the reasonable elites. Ive written books about Harvard, the G.O.P., American Christianity and Pope Francis, and decadence. Benedict XVI was my favorite pope. I review movies for National Review and have strong opinions about many prestige television shows. I have four small children, three girls and a boy, and live in New Haven with my wife. @DouthatNYT

The Argument is a production of The New York Times Opinion section. The team includes Alison Bruzek, Phoebe Lett, Elisa Gutierrez, Vishakha Darbha, Kathy Tu, Kate Sinclair, Paula Szuchman and Isaac Jones. Special thanks to Corey Schreppel and Michelle Harris. Theme by Allison Leyton-Brown.

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The 46th: Who Will Replace Trump in the G.O.P.s Heart? - The New York Times

Lindus Construction Owner Andy Lindus was on the show to discuss simple, inexpensive ways to winterize your home.

It's been a nice run Minnesota, but winter is always around the corner.

Lindus Construction Owner Andy Lindus was on the show to discuss simple, inexpensive ways to winterize your home.

She provided the following project ideas:

A Tube of Window Caulk (About $10)

Use this to seal up any spots inside the window frame that allow air to get in. Or, use it in areas where existing caulk has hardened and is breaking away. Be sure to remove the old caulk first. Also make sure to buy 100% silicone caulk as it is waterproof, flexible, shrink-proof and will last over 20 years.

Also, be aware if youre putting lipstick on a pig when it comes to your windows. Sometimes replacement is worth it and windows can be installed even in the dead of winter.

Socket Sealers (24 for less than $3)

This is such an easy, cheap fix that can make a difference. You simply screw off the socket plate, place these socket sealers over the outlet and then screw the outlet plate back in place. (But, before you do that, just feel the draft that comes in once the socket plate is off the outlet!)

Door Draft Stopper (About $10)

This is a simple way to stop those dreaded under-the-door drafts. Just peel of and stick.

Hot Water Pipe Covers (25 ft for $10)

Another quick and easy task. These foam insulators fit snug around your hot water pipes to keep them warm in a cold basement and therefore, saving energy.

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Quick and easy home winterization tips - KARE11.com

MESA, Ariz., Dec. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --American Warrior Auto Glass is excited to offer free full-vehicle window tinting on all windshield replacements covered by insurance. Because American Warrior Auto Glass accepts any insurance for their services, the top-rated Mesa-based auto glass company is offering this limited-time promo for complimentary window tinting on all insurance-covered replacements both an aesthetic and functional upgrade at no cost to their customers. What's more, they are extending this special offer to windshield replacement services paid at non-insurance cash rates starting at $150. Some restrictions do apply; there are some additional costs for vehicles containing more than six windows, and for vehicles that have existing tint film that needs to be removed.

As a veteran-owned business, American Warrior Auto Glass has one mission: to help their customers enjoy a safer, more comfortable ride in a vehicle with a superior-quality windshield. The entire team shares in founder and owner Ryan Koeppe's values of providing exceptional windshield replacements and window tints installed and applied with the utmost care and precision. Not only that, they install windshields using only the best resins and glass for maximum longevity, and they apply window tints carefully to ensure a smooth application that lasts. All of their work is offered at affordable and competitive rates with prompt turnaround times. What's more, they strengthen their services with quality workmanship guarantees, lifetime warranties, and a steadfast commitment to honesty, integrity, and excellence in everything they do. That said, they are proud to extend additional savings and perks to their customers as a way to say "thank you" for their continued business and loyalty.

American Warrior Auto Glass is recognized as a Top Rated Local auto glass company with outstanding ratings and rave reviews across multiple review platforms and it's easy to see why. With more than a decade of experience under their belt, Koeppe and his dedicated team of highly trained and professional technicians have built an impeccable reputation for providing prompt, reliable, and efficient auto glass replacements and window tints backed by friendly customer service. Not only that, the team is fully invested in the communities they serve and is genuinely passionate about helping their friends and neighbors in Mesa and beyond feel safer and more protected while driving.

If you would like to take advantage of this limited-time offer and get your vehicle ready for the summer heat, please visit American Warrior Auto Glass at https://www.americanwarriorautoglass.com/windshield-replacement/ to explore their windshield replacement services.

About American Warrior Auto GlassAmerican Warrior Auto Glass is a veteran-owned-and-operated company located in Mesa, Arizona, serving Chandler, East Phoenix, Phoenix proper, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tempe. The team specializes in an array of repair and replacement services for vehicles of all makes and models. In addition to the more traditional auto glass services they offer, they are experts in specialized services ranging from lane departure calibration and power window repair to power defrost repair, tint shade bands, and more. They strive to provide top-quality auto glass services and prompt 24-hour repair turnarounds. Not only that, but they also offer special discounts for military and first-responders. For more information about American Warrior Auto Glass, please visit: https://www.americanwarriorautoglass.com/

ContactRyan Koepp950 West Birchwood AvenueMesa, AZ 85210(480) 719-2099[emailprotected]

SOURCE American Warrior Auto Glass

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American Warrior Auto Glass is Now Offering Free Full-Vehicle Tint on All Insurance-Covered Windshield Replacements - PRNewswire

Residents in Uptown Charlotte and South End say they continue to see issues with groups of people driving recklessly on bikes, ATVs, and dirt bikes.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. A drive into Charlotte's South End neighborhood Tuesday evening turned dangerous for one driver when she said she found her car and others surrounded by a group of teens on bikes.

As she tried to drive away, she said one teen got physical, causing damage to her car window -- and she managed to catch it all on camera.

The confrontation happened near the corner of S. Tryon and W. Carson streets.

As a line of cars waited for the stoplight to turn green, one driver decided to pull out her cell phone to record the group of teens on bikes moving in and out of traffic.

They were messing around in the street a little bit doing wheelies in front of cars, the driver told WCNC Charlotte.

As she prepared to drive off, thats when she noticed one of the teens pick up something from the road and throw it at her passenger window -- smashing it.

Luckily a window can be replaced, but my life and wellbeing can not, she said. Im just glad no one got hurt, including the teenagers.

She added her biggest concern is safety and wants to make sure dangerous situations involving bikers, ATVs, and dirt bikes driving recklessly across town do not continue.

They often drive down the road going the wrong way, playing chicken," she said. "There needs to be some accountability.

The victim said thanks to her video recording, police were able to identify and arrest the teen accused of smashing her window. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said if you ever do encounter these biker groups, call 911.

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There needs to be some accountability | Charlotte woman concerned after car window smashed by group of teens on bikes - WCNC.com

This story is part of our week-long series on the strategic trends among fashion and beauty brands for holiday 2020.

For holiday 2020, department stores ensured their NYC window displays spoke to the unprecedented year that was, while also appropriately sparking some much-needed happiness.

While some retailers lucked out and were able to stick with original window plans, established as far out as a year in advance, others deemed it necessary to overhaul imperfect plans. Social distancing guidelines proved obstacles for construction crews, which can be up to 100-people strong. And, as opposed to the usual, foot traffic-driving IRL events, reveals of displays had to be carried out virtually.

But executives from every store interviewed for this story agreed that skipping the tradition this year was not an option. Along with delivering joy to passersby, they said, their holiday windows also provide a sense of normalcy.

Bergdorf GoodmanLinda Fargo, Bergdorf Goodmans svp of fashion and director of store presentation, said the retailers holiday windows for 2020 reflect the circumstances we find ourselves in. Thats despite that the companys overarching holiday theme of Bergdorf Goodness, centered on a season of giving back, was established back in January.

What did change were the charities the company planned to support, which evolved to reflect the dire crisis of diversity and equality, as well as food insecurity, said Fargo. Partners include City Harvest and the National CARES Mentoring Movement. And the windows presentation shifted away from the complex scenes for which the retailer is known, in favor of providing a more streamlined focus on Bergdorf Goodmans core values, including love, hope, harmony, joy and equality.

How the windows were executed also required new considerations. In most years, we have a beehive of artisans sewing, gluing and building all the complex elements that go into our elaborate windows, said Fargo. But, in the name of prioritizing the teams safety, sets were pre-built, and window director David Hoey oversaw designs and operations remotely.

What was non-negotiable was that we would continue the great tradition of our windows, even if there were less people on the sidewalks, said Fargo. We felt it was imperative to bring some light and joy to the city, and the world.

BloomingdalesFor this year, the holiday windows of Bloomingdales 59th Street flagship were inspired by its Give Happy campaign, meant to highlight positivity and togetherness at the close of a challenging year, said John Klimkowski, Bloomingdales senior director of central visual merchandising in New York City. As such, one color from the campaign is featured in each of the retailers windows along Lexington Avenue. Featured objects include marquee hearts, larger than life dogs and giant snowflakes, to communicate a simple message of cheer, he said.

Necessary adjustments to the usual plan included eliminating the interactive, touch components that have become standard features of the stores windows. Instead, two of the windows emanate holiday scents of evergreen and peppermint. To further their sensorial impact, the windows also feature mirrored edges for an infinity glow effect, said Klimkowski.

In addition, the retailers traditional window unveiling event in NYC was replaced with a virtual holiday benefit supporting the Child Mind Institute, on November 23.

People are looking for a little escape or lift, and our windows can give them that, said Klimkowski. They also provide a sense of normalcy, as theyre a tradition that people look forward to every year.

Saks Fifth AvenueSaks Fifth Avenue set its holiday theme of This is How We Celebrate nearly a year before launching the corresponding windows of its NYC flagship, said Emily Essner, Saks CMO. The intention was to shine a light on the importance of spending time with loved ones and the way different people and places around the country celebrate the holidays. We knew it would resonate even more, after several challenging months for New Yorkers and those around the world, she said.

The resulting six windows were designed to bring different, quintessential NYC moments to life, from a musical celebration playing out in Times Square to a young dancer getting an autograph from a ballerina. Both in-store and window displays feature designs by brands including Dries van Noten and Alexander McQueen, along with elements like Mylar-wrapped trees and scattered musical instruments.

In place of holding a large in-person event for the windows unveiling, the company is hosting multiple livestreams of the displays, hosted by celebrities like Alex Rodriguez. Each benefits a charitable cause, such as Madison Square Boys & Girls Club. Saks is set to donate $100,000 throughout the holiday season to non-profit organizations serving NYC and beyond.

We like to think of our holiday windows as our annual gift to [the city], said Essner. This year, we felt it was more important than ever to uphold this tradition. We hope our windows will deliver fun and escapism this season.

MacysMacys holiday window displays have been a tradition at its 34th Street flagship since 1874. This year, theyre meant to read like a thank-you letter to first responders, essential workers, marchers for equality, and New Yorkers who showed their grit, good humor and hopeful spirit during a tumultuous year, said Manuel Urquizo, Macys national windows director. The windows official theme is Give. Love. Believe.

Typically, Macys holiday window displays take nearly nine months to complete, from concept to execution. In their pivot to honor New Yorkers, Urquizo and his team produced the windows in half the time. That team included Macys display , graphic and sculptural artists, as well as animators, carpenters, electricians and lighting experts.

Indeed, seasonal fashion trends made their way into the design; polished-plaid and high-shine metallic styles are featured.

NordstromNordstroms NYC flagship store doesnt have the boxed-in display windows that are common among department stores; instead, its entire facade is one large window in the seven-floor store, which opened in October 2019. Since Black Friday, red and white lights have illuminated the glass facade and provided a blinking light show for locals still in town.

Nordstrom has a 119-year tradition of celebrating one holiday at a time, said a company spokesperson, explaining the post-Thanksgiving decorations debut.

A crew of nearly 100 Nordstrom team members worked overnight starting on Wednesday, November 25 to transform the 320,000-square-foot interior, much of which is visible from the outside. Added seasonal decorations included 253,000 feet of twinkling lights, over 700 Scandinavian-inspired ornaments, 150 trees, 150 hanging chandeliers, seven 11-foot nutcrackers and a vintage sleigh, among others.

To invite customers into the store to shop, we want to connect the shopping experience in-store to the energy of the city, the spokesperson said.

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How 5 department stores updated their holiday window displays for 2020 - Glossy

A Perth woman has criticised Perth and Kinross Council over the length of time she has had to wait for two smashed windows to be replaced.

Kathryn Garry, who stays in a rented property in the citys May Place, told the PA last week she reported one of her living room windows being smashed by a person or persons unknown way back in March but was still waiting for it to be replaced.

The mother-of-two said she then reported a second living room window being smashed under similar circumstances in July but again was still waiting to be told when it will be replaced.

Ms Garry approached the PA with her complaint over her wait as she is concerned she and her young family might have to wait until after Christmas to see her living room windows fixed.

Staff at hotel will be made redundant just two weeks before Christmas

She believes the breakages are letting the cold in and making it harder to heat her property, and says she and her nine-year-old son are now having to spend the majority of their time in the house in their bedrooms to keep warm and comfortable.

Ms Garry complained: Ive been phoning the council to find out when my windows are going to be sorted and I got told they would only be putting in one of my windows just now because theyve only got one of a particular part they need to replace it.

Im still waiting on a phone call from the glaziers about that but Ive been told Im going to have to wait for the other one to be fixed.

Its just me and my boy in the house but its freezing. I cant have Christmas in my house this year if this is the way its going to be.

Over 150 businesses back 'shop local' campaign ahead of "challenging" Christmas

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said yesterday: We have contacted the tenant in question to apologise for the delay in carrying out this repair.

Our repairs service is extremely busy working on a backlog of repairs that built up over the lockdown period, and the failure to carry out this repair was an oversight on our part.

The repair will now be carried out as a priority.

Our tenants consistently report to us very high levels of satisfaction with our repairs service our latest figures show that 98.5 per cent of tenants said they were satisfied with the service provided to them.

However, we accept that sometimes things can go wrong and when this happens we review the situation so that similar errors can be prevented in future.

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Perth woman waits months for broken windows to be replaced - Daily Record

Jim Thompson|Northwest Florida Daily News

VIDEO: Rare Carpenter Gothic churches in Northwest Florida

Three Carpenter Gothic churches still exist in Northwest Florida

DeFUNIAK SPRINGS Three Northwest Florida churches St. Agatha's Episcopal in DeFuniak Springs, St. Mary's Episcopal in Miltonand First Presbyterian in Lynn Haven are the area's only remaining examples of an architectural style that, while integral to a spiritual sense of place, also presentschallenges for preservation.

The Carpenter Gothic style in church construction traces its roots to the late 1700s and early 1800sas the Anglican Church moved from what had been an austereworship style altarshad been eliminated from churches, and communion was not celebrated back to a more ritualized form of worship.

More: Meet the Female Pastors of the Panhandle

That movement coincided with a revivalof Gothic architecture, a masonry-oriented approach which featured high walls, vaulted ceilings and delicate stonework as seen in grand cathedrals. Eventually, though, the style made its way to much smaller parish churches.

And in places like Florida, where timber was a more readily available material than stoneand where craftsmen and laborers were more familiar with working in wood than stone, that style was replicated in wood. Over the years,though, those churches present significant challenges to theircongregations rotting or termite-infested wood have to be replaced, plaster cracks and falls, and worship spaces have to be modified as technology advances.

Across Florida, the proliferation of Carpenter Gothic churches can be traced to the Rev. John Freeman Young, who served as the state's Episcopal bishop from 1867 until his death in 1885.

Photos: First female chaplain at Air Force Enlisted Village

(On a seasonal note, Young is better remembered as the personwho, in 1859, translated the German Christmas carol "Silent Night" into English.)

While serving in New York, Young became acquainted with noted Gothic Revival architect Richard Upjohn, and by 1853, buoyed by his own knowledge of Gothic Revival architecture, he planned and coordinated construction of a Mississippi church designed by New York architect Frank Wills.

Church architecture was exceedingly important to Young, earning a place in his 1882 message on the consecration of St. John's Church in Jacksonville.

According to areport from the state Bureau of Historic Preservation, Young said at the time, "Wood and stone, and silver and gold, and silk and linen, and diverse colors, are but dead, mute things, which have neither speech nor language inherent in themselves, but under the hand of the cunning craftsman and skillful artificer their voices are heard among them, each one entering into the grand harmony of their utterance, being but a louder or a softer echo of the utterances of the voice of God."

More: Amid the coronavirus, churches are trying different ways to serve their members

Here is how the three Northwest Florida churches are keeping those echoes of Carpenter Gothic sounding today.

'The place where God is'

The aged timber, stained glass and plaster of St. Mary's EpiscopalChurch are so much a part of Mark Starr's life that he dreams about them, although not in the way that you might think.

"I have nightmares about a tree falling on this little church," Starr said on a recent morning inside the 145-year-old structure.

Sunshine coming through stained-glass windows, some of it through the shadows of two large trees flanking the front of the church, lit its varnished wood ceiling, floors and altaras Starr steered his thoughts in a happier direction.

"It's a beautiful place, and more important, the Holy Spirit's in it," said Starr, the church's senior warden.

Erected in 1875, for its first year or so the church had no windows, as finances were strained to secure leaded glass. In the interim, according to church lore, the ladies of St. Mary's covered the window openings with muslin fabric.

A still later addition to the church, a stained-glass altar window featuring Mary surrounded by a host of Christian religious symbols, was installed in 1880. Imported from Czechoslovakia, the window was paid for by the children of the church, who hired themselves out to neighbors to earn money. The window, irreplaceable today, cost $600, at the time "twice the yearly income for a working man in Santa Rosa County in 1880," according to a brief history of the church.

While the Holy Spirit is resident in St. Mary's, its congregation until recently has not been. The coronavirus pandemic forced the church to discontinue services in the tiny building, but earlier this monthit reopened. With social distancing protocols in place, the church can accommodate 35 worshipers.

That's been particularly important for many of the church's older members, according to Starr.

"There are some of our congregationthat feel like this is the place where God is," Starr said.

In the eyes of Ann Odom, who has been attending St. Mary's since 1972, the church's age is an integral part of its specialness as a place of worship. Among the things that make the church special for worshipers, she said, is its "gingerbread" trim elaborately carved wooden features, both inside and out, not found in more modernconstruction.

"They walk in the doorand they feel the spirit," she said.

The church, though, has changed during the decades. The coal-burning pot-bellied stove located in one corner of the sanctuary to keep members warm in winter is long gone, as is its chimney. The old coal storage room attached to the rear of the church remains, but is now used as a nursery.

A bell tower, an elaborate picket fence and a burial yard for cremated remains, complete with a sculpture of an angel, have been added to the church and its grounds, but alwayswith an eye toward remaining faithful to the Carpenter Gothic style.

And while maintenance is an ongoing issue at St. Mary's the sandy soil on which it is built means that it is slowly sinking,a termite infestation required the replacement of some of the wooden sill plates in its foundation, the roof needs work and the church "is in dire need of a paint job," according to Starr the congregation is determined to keep ittrue to its architectural style.

"We're committed to it," Starr said.

St. Mary's EpiscopalChurch is currently pastored by the Rev. Dr. Margaret Shepard, who is serving there as the church awaits a permanent rector.

Preaching in the historic church is a special experience, she said, as its relatively unchanged nature provides "a sense of presence of people past" and of "thankfulness for the church founders."

"There's a real sense of historicity," she said.

Even as the church has been challenged in keeping its building true to its Carpenter Gothic roots, it also has been challenged in remaining openbecause ofits small congregation.

But according to Odom, at least one of the "supply priests" that has served the church in recent years isn't worried about the future of St. Mary'sbecause of its namesake saint.

"He said, 'Ain't nobody gonna mess with Jesus' mama,'" Odom smiled.

'People like the quaintness'

As Carpenter Gothic churches go, 105-year-old First Presbyterian Church in Lynn Haven has succeeded in maintaining its clear architectural identity throughout a series of accommodationsfor the worship experience.

In fact, First Presbyterian is the only church in Lynn Haven still operating out of its original building. And even Hurricane Michael, which laid waste to the city two years ago and caused extensive damage to First Presbyterian, couldn't touch its Carpenter Gothic character. The signature arch over the church's front door, while damaged, was not destroyed in the hurricane, marvels the Rev. Lisa Martin, First Presbyterian's pastor.

"The outside arch was fine, and that was just amazing," Martin said.

Renovations to the interior of the church began a little more than a decade after it was first occupied, as wings were added to either side of the original 42-foot by 34-foot worship space.

Those renovations also included reversing the sanctuaryspace, moving the altar to the western end of the church. The change no doubt came as a relief to some churchgoers, as the original plan had the entrance door immediately adjacentto the altar. That arrangement, Martin said, meant that "if you were late, you came into church in front of the pulpit." And, of course, in front of the congregation.

In addition, the early renovations included the construction of a brick fireplace in a northwest corner of the church, which remained in place for years. Itsremoval in the relatively recent past disappointed some church members.

Locks weren't placed on the church's exterior doors until 1944. It was air-conditioned in 1965. Stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the life of Christ were installed in 1973after some of the old windows, comprising simple panes of colored glass, fell victim to the occasional gunshot, according to longtime church member MartiWillis. The original metal ceilings were covered with a suspended ceiling, and the church's original globe lights were replaced with chandeliers.

But through it all, the church has maintained the essential Carpenter Gothicethos, according to Martin.

"It tends to allow for a more congregational feel," she said."It is unique people walk in and immediately feel at home.

"There's an intimate feel," Martin continued. From the pulpit, "I can see everybody, and that's what I love."

"I think most people who come here like the quaintness," Willis said.

And just as at St. Mary's Episcopal, the ongoing coronavirus has kept the congregation from gathering at the church until a couple of weeks ago. That'swhen a socially distanced worship service began the liturgical season of Advent, the beginning of the Christian church year.

"There was a levelof pressure" from the congregation to get back into the church, Martin said, just one more indication of "the love for this building."

'Into their own hands'

The history of St. Agatha's Episcopal Church begins in the mid-1880s, as the Rt. Rev. Edwin G. Weed, then the Episcopal bishop of Florida, was traveling by railroad to establish churches across Northwest Florida. At the time, there were a handful of Episcopal families in DeFuniak Springs, meeting in private homes andlaterin the county courthouse.

By the end of the decade, a priesthad been assigned to the community, and in 1895construction of the church began.The name "St. Agatha" was chosen because it was the name of a beloved grandmother of the Landrum family, one of the families thatfounded the church.

As the only Episcopal church in North America dedicated to St. Agatha, patron saint of nursing mothers, professional nurses and sexual abuse victims, it is perhaps fitting that women played a pivotal role in the beginnings of the DeFuniak Springs landmark.

By Easter of 1896, the church stood only partially completed, but the women of St. Agatha's wanted to hold Easter services in the structure.

Here's how things unfolded from there, as briefly related in a history of the church:

"The men refused, protesting that Bishop Weed had not consecrated the building nor licensed lay readers. The women took matters into their own hands and decorated the lath (installed and ready for plaster) with magnolia, dogwood and azalea blooms. They read Morning Prayer on Easter morning."

When Weed, whose duties included visiting Episcopal parishes in the state, heard about the persistence of the women of St. Agatha's, he wrote a letter asking that they "cease and desist," according to the history.

"They politely responded that he need not bother to return if he felt that way," the history continues.

And with a bit of editorial license, the history offers the conjecture that "perhaps this was the first effort of women to assert their rights in what was then a male-dominated church."

And indeed, while it apparently took a few years, Weed eventually made peace with the women of St. Agatha's. Sometime around 1900, according to the best guesses from photographic evidence, Weed sent the church the "Passion Flower" stained glass window that still filters sunlight above the altar.

To this day, that window imparts the spiritual nature of the structure to at least one of its members. Melinda Henderson, who has been closely involved with efforts to restore and maintain the 125-year-old church, said that at certain times of the yearduring evening services, "sunlight comes right through the top jewel (of a crown depicted in the window), and you just feel this is a holy place," she said.

As with other Carpenter Gothic churches, upgrades and ongoing maintenance needs have been a part of the life of St. Agatha's for years. In the 1950sit was re-roofed, and the stained wood ceiling, wainscoting and other woodwork was painted. In subsequent years, a pot-bellied stove was replaced by gas stoves for heating, and Plexiglas covers were placed over the stained-glass windows to protect them from hurricane winds and, as with First Presbyterian in Lynn Haven, the occasional bullet.

In more recent years, as the foundations of the sanctuary and other buildings on the St. Agatha's campus required leveling, some of the interior plaster, already cracked and showing signs of leakage, began to fall to the floor. Subsequently, rotted and termite-ridden exterior boards had to be replaced.

Some of the work has been funded with grants from the state, which in many cases have required matching funds. That's something of a reach for a congregation that, at best, numbers just a few dozen, but the larger community has been stepping up to help, according to Henderson.

From overpaying for items offered at church-sponsored garage salesto leaving generoustips at church pancake breakfasts, the community beyond the church has consistently shown its interest in preserving St. Agatha's, shenoted gratefully.

Henderson's involvement in restoration efforts, from doing actual work on the buildings to seeking grants for needed repairs, has made her keenly aware of the physicalaspects of the sanctuary and the two other buildings. It's something she has to watch, she said, lest she forget about deeper connections with the structure.

"You sit in the sanctuaryand you can feel the presence of the saints," she explained, noting that she meant not only actual saints venerated by the church, but members who have passed away in the faith.

"I have to caution myself about thinking about St. Agatha as a place," she said.

Continued here:
'Echoes of the voice of God': Carpenter Gothic churches rare in Northwest Florida - The Northwest Florida Daily News