Barbara Wood Cook has released a children’s book to benefit the Old Rugged Cross Church.
“The Old Rugged Cross Church Mouse” gives a brief history of the famous hymn, which introduces the story of how Robert, the church mouse, and his wife, Mary, lived in the old church/barn in Pokagon when it became the restoration project of a Old Rugged Cross Foundation Inc., whose purpose is to restore the church and preserve the legacy of the hymn.
At first, the mouse family was afraid of losing their home but were able to remain in or near the church over the next 12 years while funds were raised and construction took place.
They watched with interest as various projects were undertaken and their family grew up.
The mouse family has many fond memories of the garden being developed and the transformation of the falling-down barn into a beautiful church building that is once again used for weddings, funerals, occasional services and other activities.
Recently, the kitchen of the building was insulated, dry walled and painted; a new oak floor was installed in the sanctuary.
Soon, new pews will be installed as well as two replacement stenciled and stained glass windows.
Cook, a former supervisor for Pokagon Township and chairwoman of the Cass County Planning Commission, is a founding member of the Old Rugged Cross Foundation and has served as secretary.