First UMC Has New Plan — Members Approve Building’s Design

By Sandra Mathias

After months of planning, a new building design for First United Methodist Church, “First Church,” was recently presented to the congregation.

The meeting was led by Rev. Barry Henson, Memphis-McKendree district superintendent of the United Methodist Church. First Church Building Committee chairperson Gary Gardo submitted his committee’s report as Carter Hord, principle of Hord Architects, unveiled the schematic design for the new structure.

Members voted unanimously to accept the design for their new church home and hope to have the congregation in a new home at its old location by mid-2009.

This is the preliminary stage in rebuilding and provides the momentum for moving forward. It will be several months before the reconstruction begins.

The design incorporates the best features of the previous sanctuary with modern technology. Space has been allocated for mission, education, community building opportunities, alternative worship and urban ministry. A bell tower at the corner of Second and Poplar will once again greet travelers as they drive downtown.

First Church’s 114-year-old sanctuary was destroyed in the pre- dawn hours of Oct. 6, 2006, as fires swept through downtown Memphis. The familiar limestone and granite neo-gothic building with the clock tower steeple and cross was a Memphis landmark and listed on the national and state historic register of buildings. Smoke and water from the fire also heavily damaged the Sunday school building next door, the John R. Pepper Building.

Members have gathered on many occasions to plant and maintain flower beds at the church site. They were recently awarded special recognition by the Memphis City Beautiful Commission for their efforts. Banners with the words “Hope, Patience, and Prayer” hang as a reminder of their mission in downtown. In addition to the flowers, two dramatic 12-foot banners, replicas of the stained glass windows lost in the fire, now hang in the remaining door arches.

To help First Church realize their dreams of continuing in mission in downtown Memphis, they need your help. A renewed capital campaign has begun, “The First Responder Campaign.” They are seeking an additional $1.9 million to complete the goals of expanded ministry. For information on how to help, call 527-8362 or go to firstchurchmemphis.org

Sandra Mathias is a member of First United Methodist Church.

Originally published by Sandra Mathias Special to My Life .

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