Not only does Hyde Park United Methodist Church on West Platt Street have a sense of parishioner priority and community commitment, it also has a sense of irony — and humor. The church recently purchased the nearby Magnolia Tavern and Sports Bar. When renovated, it’s likely to be used for Sunday School classes, Boy Scout meetings and — Alcoholics Anonymous gatherings.
A large banner on the side of the erstwhile gin mill says it all: “Now Under New Ownership.”