Andrew's Place was dedicated for Andrew Russolli, son of Sally White, the church's long time secretary.
As a child, Andrew would often play in the basement, back then simply a large playing space underneath the sanctuary. His mother was the church secretary and, on those occasions when there were no other options, he would tag along and go down to the basement … that magical basement. One day it might be a pirate ship. Another day it would become a Wild West frontier. It was limited only by his imagination.
But little boys cannot stay little boys forever. Andrew grew; he became a strapping young man who was strong, smart and very brave. And there was one other thing; he had a deep and abiding love for God, his family, and his country. He came to the conclusion that the best way to serve all three was to enlist in the Marine Corp. And served his country he did. Andrew showed his imagination within his bravery while serving.
However, on a bright, crisp October afternoon three Marines in their dress blues came to the door at the house where his mother, Sally, lived. It was, of course, the dreadful news that every mother of a soldier fears. Andrew had been killed in action while serving in Iraq. The heartbreaking domino effect was in play. Scott Orr, pastor, learned of this tragedy as well.
Not soon after, the downstairs area started major renovations. Max Renyolds and his fellow Eagle Scouts, along with Max's dad, Kevin, turned the space into a Fellowship Hall space, with a small stage complete with entrance/exits stage left, right, and up stage. And in 2006, the church unveiled "ANDREW'S PLACE," dedicated to Andrew Russolli.
At the same time, Crosslove Theatre joined forces with Lindley Park Church. It was obvious that Andrew's Place was, without a doubt, the PERFECT place for the theatre. In 2008, a second round of minor renovations began. The stage was extended 8 feet to a thrust stage, and a theatre was created that would eventually seat 75 people.
Additionally, the space is also used for the LPC Children's Ministry, complete with an Art Area, a Game Area, and a Theatre Area (the stage itself) and a local girl scout group currently uses the space as well.
We at Lindley Park wanted a way to honor him and his service. We thought there was no better way than to create a place where children can come and be a child. We call that place Andrew’s Place, and it serves as the home for Crosslove Theatre. We welcome you to come and share in the tribute. Andrew’s Place is designed to be a place where children (of all ages!) can live out their fantasies. Come to Andrew’s Place to live yours.
