Studebaker drivers tour one of South Bend's hidden gems - Fox 28: South Bend, Elkhart IN News, Weather, Sports

Studebaker drivers tour one of South Bend's hidden gems

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If you haven't been to St. Pauls Memorial United Methodist Church, it is definitely worth a visit.

This week they church is welcoming members of the International Studebaker Drivers Club.

The Studebakers built St. Paul's back in 1901.  The place has a lot of history.

It was the first place in South Bend to get air conditioning, an the second to have electricity.  "We still have the first air condition in South Bend," says Pastor Tom Thews with a smile as a fan runs on the alter.

Pastor Thews loves working in such a historic place.  "It's one of the most fun places to come and worship Christ," he says.  "It's been a real blessing to be a pastor here and to have all this history surround you."

Thews says the church continues to try and live up to the Studebaker's original goal, which was to provide a place for both worship and community events.  "The idea with the Studebakers was that this would be a church on Sundays and serve as a community center the rest of the week," Thews says. 

The stained glass window at the St. Paul's is is valued at over one million dollars.  If you look closely you can see Clement Studebaker pictured in a blue robe.

 

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