Construction worker injured at Sedalia worksite dies
The Associated Press
August 18, 2018
SEDALIA, Mo. (AP) —
Officials say a worker injured near Sedalia in west-central Missouri has died.
The Sedalia Democrat reports that 52-year-old Filipe' Murano died late Wednesday afternoon at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia.
Murano was injured Wednesday morning near the construction site of a new First United Methodist Church when a piece of masonry fell on him.
Murano was a bricklayer for a sub-contracted masonry company from the Kansas City area.
Pettis County Coroner Skip Smith said Murano wasn’t technically on the construction site or church property but rather on Normandy Road, near West 10th Street and Thompson Boulevard, when the incident occurred.
Murano’s autopsy took place Friday morning. Smith said he has classified the death as accidental so far in his office’s investigation.
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Sunday afternoon marked a day of promise and new beginnings as members, friends and family of the First United Methodist Church in Sedalia gathered to lift their voices in prayer and song, as well as shovels of sod, to mark the groundbreaking for a new sanctuary in the 3000 block of West 10th Street.
Slightly more than two years after the devastating fire March 2, 2016, that destroyed the historic 1888 First United Methodist Church’s downtown location, more than 200 followers took part in the groundbreaking ceremony.
In his opening remarks, Pastor Jim Downing read from Psalm 100, making special note of the fourth chapter as a reference to the new church and the structure of the building:
“… Shout to the Lord all the Earth
Worship the Lord with gladness
Come before him with joyful songs …
… Enter his gates with thanksgiving
And his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him and praise his name
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
For many, such as Alice Fairfax, the day was one of remembrance of both past and future generations.
“Today means so very much,” Fairfax said. “At last we will have a church to replace the old because there was such a sense of security in the arms of the old church.
“The new church (the Celebration Center) did well and we did not miss a Sunday after the loss of the old church,” she continued. “It will be nice to see what the future holds and this will be a way to serve so many.”
Fairfax noted she and her husband, the late Emmett Fairfax, were married in the downtown sanctuary in 1954. Her grandparents and parents before her and two of her children were also married at the downtown church. Weddings hold a special bond for many in the congregation, according to Fairfax.
Now she is hoping her granddaughter, who represents the fifth generation, will be one of the first couples to marry in the new church once it is completed.
“The new building has been designed with Neo-Gothic architectural features by Marsh Water Woody Architects of Springfield,” Downing told the Democrat in March. “It will feature elements of stone and stained glass along with a 300-seat dining hall for large gatherings of the congregation and community.
“Many of the architectural components are reminiscent of the downtown building, particularly the shape and orientation of the sanctuary,” Downing continued. “There will be a cloister with nine arches (facing Thompson Boulevard) creating a courtyard in front of the sanctuary.”
Downing also explained that plans are nearing completion of a gazebo and memorial gardens to be built at the downtown location at 117 W. Fourth St. The site, once completed, will be used for events such as concerts, weddings and outdoor celebrations.
Karen Iuchs also is part of a fifth-generation family to attend First United Methodist and the Celebration Center.
“Today is a new beginning and hope for the future,” Iuchs said. “It truly is a rebirth and a chance to continue to share God’s love with others.”
The love and outpouring of support from the community has meant a great deal to the congregation during the past two years, according to Downing.
“We are honored to share today and this with the community who have been so supportive,” Downing told the Democrat after the service. “We want people to know this is a place to feel welcome and know God’s love. We are blessed to rise up to a new day.”