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BARNUM, Iowa (AP) — A former church has been moved about three-quarters of a mile to an Iowa farm where it will be transformed into a home.
The former Calvary Presbyterian Church near Barnum will be the new home of Brian and Katie Norine, the Fort Dodge Messenger (http://bit.ly/1xWJHp0 ) reported. The structure was delivered to Katie Norine's family farm on Wednesday.
"It was my great-grandfather's farm," Norine's mother, Linda Martin, said. "My mom grew up there and my grandfather built the barn."
The barn is still on the family's property.
Before the church was rolled away to its new foundation, the family gathered for a picture.
"We want to get a Christmas card photo," said Kim Martin, Norine's father.
Brian Norine said he found a few occupants in the old building's walls.
"There were a few snakes and mice," he said. "Not very many dead ones either."
Norine also found a book printed by the church's congregation to commemorate the last regular service there, which was in April 2010. It included a history of the congregation.
The first church on the site was dedicated in 1898, but burned down after being struck by lightning in 1936. Its replacement, soon to be the Norines' new home, was dedicated in 1938.
Norine said he expects it will take several years to finish work on the couple's new home.
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Information from: The Messenger, http://www.messengernews.net
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