The so-called ‘Footloose’ church in American Fork was built 140 years ago. American Fork Community Presbyterian Church Pastor Michael Heil says it is badly in need of repair. But he says the church still functions and people are there to worship, although they do realize the church got its nickname from being featured in the 1984 film.
Pastor Heil was a guest on KVNU’s For the People program Monday. He said it has been decided to have a real celebration for the 140th birthday of the church.
“We were thinking, you don’t really have a lot of 140th anythings in your life,” Pastor Heil exclaimed. “This is a momentous event. We’re thinking of having a big event on July 21st. We’re going to welcome our community in.”
Pastor Heil said despite being used in a famous film a couple decades ago, the church has another important distinction.
“We have an autistic playground. It’s a playground for children with autism that we built because there weren’t any that were publicly accessible in Utah County. We built that and we want to dedicate that.”
The pastor said everyone is invited to attend and contributions to make the event possible will be appreciated.