Local News

Written by Wes Schmidgall   

PEORIA —First United Methodist Church is planning a major renovation of its facility that has been located in the heart of Downtown Peoria on 100 block of Northeast Perry Street for 178 years.
The estimated $6-6.2 million renovation that members of the church have planed would not only update the facility that is nearly 200 years old, but also allow the church to upgrade its social service ministries.
The renovation plan that includes the construction of a 29,000 square-foot addition was “driven by the need,” said Bob Phillips, directing pastor for First United Methodist Church.
“A guiding principle in the process was that every square foot had to be justified not only in terms of what it would do to help the current congregation, but in what it could do for the community,” said Phillips. “The building enables us to offer more ministries to the community, whether for those who drive into the church from the region or to those who live in the neighborhood, many of whom have no cars to drive.”
The largest portion of the addition would accommodate a multipurpose space that would be used for sports, indoor exercise, banquets and special events.
Some of the space in the addition will be used for the modernization of the church’s children facilities that would give them full security and state of the art A/V capabilities.
The addition will also allow the church to upgrade its kitchen and provide more space for its Loaves and Fish soup kitchen that provides hot lunches for 14,000 – 15,000 people every Saturday, 52 weeks a year, and provides free basic medical services and free clothing for needy people.
The church will also expand its bathroom facilities as part of the renovation, and is considering the installation of showers to accommodate house retreats and overnight events at the church.
An elevator and large gathering/mingling space would also be added to the church
On the exterior of the church, an outdoor playground would be constructed as well as a new front access that would include a drive-through sheltered drop-off area.
The church will construct the 29,000 square-foot addition on its parking lot located at the corner of Main and Perry Streets, leaving only 16 parking spaces.
A former drive-through bank building across the street from the church that currently houses the church’s AIDS/HIV ministry, Neutral Ground, would be torn down and used for additional parking space. The church would move Neutral Ground to its property located at 700 Main Street that currently houses its urban ministries programs.
The church has launched a capital campaign to finance the construction costs of the renovation.
“A capital campaign is underway, with formal pledges to be received on the 16th of October,” said Phillips. “The church is prepared to borrow funds as needed.”
Around 40 families have already pledged $2.4 million, including a single pledge of $1 million.
Members of the renovation planning team are prepared to start construction with $3.5 million.
The First United Methodist Church congregation, consisting of approximately 1,500 members, is expected to vote on the renovation project on November 14.
“The church has a vote slated for November 14,” said Phillips. “The time between then and now is given to answering questions and tweaking specifics to ensure full understanding of the vision and the goals.
“Of course, the church will be in close conversation and collaboration with the City of Peoria, regarding permits and health, fire and safety issues. We anticipate a very positive relationship with the city for this mutually beneficial project.”