One advantage of working or volunteering at either Woolaroc or the Frank Phillips Home is that there are literally HUNDREDS of good stories to tell about the Phillips family. Some, of course, are just folklore, but occasionally we will come across a credible story that we have not heard before. This week, I would like to share one with you from the memoirs of Mr. F. E. Selim.
Before moving to Bartlesville, the Phillips attended the First Methodist Church of Creston, IA. Unfortunately, this church burned to the ground about 1928 and the congregation immediately gathered together as much money as they could and started rebuilding. About the time they had the "shell" of the building in place, the Great Depression hit Creston with full force and work on the church came to a halt.
On one of their visits to Creston, Frank and Jane noticed that no progress was being made and Frank inquired as to the reason. When told that the church was out of money, Frank said, "Tell somebody to come down and see me". The church took him at his word and sent Mr. Jensen, the president of the Creston First National Bank, to Bartlesville to visit with Frank. When introduced, Frank said, "How much do you want?". Mr. Jensen explained that the church board and the contractor had met and figured how much money they would need to get the church in just "useable" condition and gave Frank the amount. Frank just looked at him and replied, "I didn't ask how much money you HAD to HAVE, I asked how much money did you want?" Mr. Jensen, taken aback, had to confess that he did not know, and Frank told him, "In that case, go on back to Creston and find out how much you want and then come back and let me know". Mr. Jensen did as Frank asked, and the outcome was impressive -- enough money to build a beautiful building and furnish it with fine furniture, stained glass windows and an impressive pipe organ.
Jim and I have toured the church and it is, indeed, quite beautiful.
