In the summer of 1969, Gary Sipes joined a procession of St. Olaf Church members who were moving from their Aurora building to the site of their new church on Douglas Avenue in Montgomery. That area was nothing but cornfields back then. Last Wednesday, Sipes returned as a neighbor to witness another groundbreaking event on the property. This time, it was for a new Youth Center for Wayside Cross Ministries.
The center is coming to life on four acres purchased from the church. This process faced hurdles related to nearby residents’ concerns, something Sipes understood. He recognized the discomfort surrounding change but emphasized the ultimate goal of helping local children. Around 125 supporters attended the ceremony, including Montgomery Village President Matt Brolley. Initially hesitant due to neighborhood concerns, Brolley supported the project after visiting Wayside Cross Ministries’ main campus in downtown Aurora.
Matt Brolley noted the wide-ranging services of Wayside Cross, stating, “There’s a tremendous need that stretches beyond municipal boundaries.” The location is adjacent to Fox Valley Park District fields and Krug Elementary School, making it an ideal spot, according to Brolley. He expressed his excitement to be part of this development.
At the event, Vicki Morkos, president and CEO of the Dunham Foundation, spoke about her organization’s longstanding relationship with Wayside Cross. Founded by Thomas Dunham, an Equipto Electronics founder, Dunham’s mission aligns well with Wayside’s. The Dunham Foundation has supported various Wayside programs, including the Lifespring Center for women and children.
Morkos described the trust her organization has in Wayside as pivotal in supporting the new Youth Center project. She highlighted its potential to offer a nurturing environment for children to learn and grow. For around 15 years, Wayside Cross has been utilizing St. Olaf’s facilities for after-school and summer programs. The idea of having a dedicated building gained traction when Executive Director James Lukose noticed available land next to the church.
The planned Youth Center spans roughly 10,000 square feet and is expected to open next summer. It will house classrooms, a multi-purpose room, gymnasium, and kitchen. Plans also include adding sports fields. The center will focus on tutoring, educational opportunities, and youth leadership activities. St. Olaf interim Pastor Dan Haas remarked that the center’s mission aligns with the church’s founding ideals of utilizing talents for God’s glory.
Sequoia President David Blasi encouraged attendees to “pick up our hard hats and shovels and get to work,” as the construction phase begins.