Building History

1852     Congregation worshiped with German Methodist Church

 

1856     Built First Methodist Episcopal Church

            35 X 45 foot structure  Cost $1,800
 

1899     Planning for a new church building began

 

1901     Raised $5,000 toward new building

            Contracted with architect Allen of Indianapolis to draw plans $125
            After bids, project awarded to builder Chas. F Richmond
            Dedicated December 15, 1901
            Cost $7,984 Remainder of $2,600 needed was raised night of dedication
 

1904     German Methodist merged in

 

1910     Parsonage built cost $3,500

 

1957     Established Building Committee to study future needs of the church

 

1960     Survey by Boston University indicated time was right for expansion

 

1963     Signed contract with Lewis-Shimer Associates to develop plans
            Bldg Committee studied option of remodeling Mill St. location or build elsewhere
            Both plans submitted and congregation voted for new site and building
         

1964    Trustees got approval to buy ten acres of land on Gem Road from Mr/Mrs Jacobi
           Cost   $20,380

1965     Raised $73,000 in a financial program for the building fund

 

1966     Special financial crusade "A Venture of Faith" boosted building fund to $106,000
            which was the amount needed to start building - campaign involved lots of
            members and was directed by a pastor from the Field Service and Finance Board
            of Missions
            Groundbreaking ceremony June 12, 1966

 

1967     Sanctuary and education – Phase 1 completed      cost   $261,000

 

1970     Parking Lot paved     cost $12,100

 

1975     Building Committee established to decide whether to build Phase 2 – Fellowship
            Hall & Kitchen
            Still in debt paying for Phase 1

 

1977     Purchased 2 additional acres from Jacobi's       cost $4,100

 

1978     Admin board authorized preliminary sketches for Phase 2
            Held congregational meeting to present sketches and decide if building
            committee should proceed to hire architect.    Done by secret ballot - voted in
            favor of continuing
            June 1978 dedicated Phase 1 building – burned mortgage

 

1979     Cooler, Schubert and Olds Associates hired as architect
            Plans developed for fellowship hall, kitchen, and four classrooms
            estimated cost   $199,800

            September 1979 congregational meeting held to approve start of construction
            on Phase 2      4,600 sq. feet

            Congregation voted to proceed when $80,000 was available in building fund
            Started capital fund campaign to raise $53000 needed, ended with every

            member canvass Sept 30

            Groundbreaking ceremony October 14, 1979

 

1980     Phase 2 - Fellowship Hall, kitchen, and classrooms completed

 

2007     Community Ministry Center Complete and ready to use (Groundbreaking Sept. 16, 2006 / Grand Opening Sept. 16, 2007)