At First United Methodist Church in downtown Columbus, a 14-month project to prepare for the future while preserving the past is nearing completion.
Workers are finishing a multi-million dollar renovation of the church — which included waterproofing the antebellum brick, replastering and painting — in time for a rededication ceremony on Palm Sunday.
According to information provided by church historian Peggy Cantelou, First United Methodist Church is the oldest church organization in Columbus.
Organized in 1823, Methodists and other denominations used Franklin Academy, which then was a log cabin, as a place of worship.
First United Methodist Church has owned three buildings, including the first church building in Columbus — a frame structure, erected in 1831, at the corner of Second Avenue North and Eighth Street.
The present building — at 602 Main St. — was begun in 1860, for a projected cost of $30,000, and completed in 1866.
Following many additions over the years, the church underwent a two-year renovation program in 1953, during which worship services were held in the auditorium of Franklin Academy, on Third Avenue North.
The $1 million Marguerite Tennille Family Life Center was completed in 1988 and the Fletcher-Jones Educational Building was completed in 2001.
The present renovation will be celebrated with a dinner on the church grounds, following the rededication Sunday.
“It”s a big day for us,” said Dr. Gilbert Spencer, a retired surgeon who helped with renovation work. “It”s the fact we are finishing the refurbing of this antebellum structure; it”s been completely replastered and painted.”
“There have been a lot of renovations,” said Dr. Sam Morris, the lead pastor of First United Methodist Church. “It began with the outside and the complete restoration of the bricks and the mortar. It”s (been) a lengthy process.
“In part, it recognizes our desire to recognize the faithfulness of people who first built that building and those who have worshipped in it for years and given time and energy to having a place to worship on Main Street,” he added of the renovation, noting exterior work likely won”t be needed “for another 50 years.”
“And it recognizes our desire to commit ourselves to the service of God for now and in the future.”
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