COMANCHE COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) — A Wichita Mountain landmark may soon close its doors if low funding persists.
According to caretaker Deena Dolch, those at the Holy City of the Wichitas are urging neighbors to donate so the 100-year-old church can remain open.
“If we don’t get the donations come in, we will have to close the doors,” Dolch said.
According to Dolch, financial struggles have snowballed ever since the destructive Rush fire in October 2024.
“We really rely on the people, and when the fire hit, it was just it was devastating,” Dolch said. “We were closed for two weeks, so that really hurt us. A lot of people think that we are funded federally or locally state-funded, and we don’t get any help.”
Even with the raging flames spanning 2,200 acres, Dolch said the century-old landmark still stood tall—a testament to its strength.
“Everything was burned. It was so sad. Everything burned all around us. But you top the hills, then there’s the Holy City standing, just untouched,” Dolch said. “I think the Good Lord was watching over us.”
Despite the closure and low attendance rates, Dolch said she’s still optimistic with the longest-running Easter pageant dawning, hopeful it will draw in large crowds.
“We’ve got new sound equipment, we’ve got new lighting,” she said. “We’ve got a lot of surprises in store for everybody.”
As they seek generosity from their neighbors, Dolch hopes visitors of all faiths are touched by the Holy City’s radiance.
“The feeling that you get when you step out on the grounds, it’s just amazing. You can’t describe it,” she said. “So I want everyone to come out, you know, and feel that for themselves.”
To donate, visit their PayPal or visit in person at 262 Holy City Rd in Lawton.
The free Easter pageant will be on April 12 and April 19 at 8:30 p.m., Dolch added. She encouraged visitors to remember lawn chairs and warm clothes.
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