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Lebanon church undergoing large renovation

Lebanon United Methodist nears end of $775,000 renovation to its interior building.

SU The Lebanon United Methodist Church is in the process of completing a $775,000 renovation to its interior building.

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By Justin McClelland, Staff Writer 10:15 AM Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Inside the office of the Rev. Gary Hughes of the Lebanon United Methodist Church is a wooden 3-D puzzle in the shape of a cross. While Hughes said he is hesitant to try and work the puzzle for fear of never getting it back together again, the piece of wood holds a special meaning to him.

“It was part of our old church floor that a member took and carved for me,” Hughes said.

The Lebanon United Methodist Church is in the process of completing a $775,000 renovation to its interior building.

The church, one of the oldest in Lebanon, was founded in 1798. It moved to its location on Silver Street in 1813. Most of its modern building was constructed in 1863, except for the sanctuary, which was built in 1969.

Hughes said the revamp is being done to make the church more inviting and to better serve its 600-plus members.

While the sanctuary has been left alone, the adjacent building will be used for smaller gatherings like weddings or funerals, and community gatherings. The second story comprises several classrooms for bible school and prayer meetings.

The church has an array of stained glass windows that organizers and construction crews have strived to preserve during the renovation.

Hughes was particularly proud that the renovation had been paid for completely through donations of the church’s members during a three-year pledge drive.

“It’s a testament to the church’s commitment,” Hughes said.

Hughes also noted the church was working to be environmentally friendly in its development through the addition of motion sensor lights and a forced air heating system.

The interior renovation is expected to be completed by the end of December. Hughes said the next step will be a new design for the exterior, which he hopes to be completed by the end of 2010.

“The ultimate goal is to make this a more inviting church for everyone,” said Stew Morr, a member of the church’s renovation committee.

Hughes said members had shown their enthusiasm in many ways. Besides the puzzle made of the church floor, another member had made tiny crosses out of floor joints. Others wrote Bible verses on the floor so they could literally “stand on the word of God.”

“This church has a history of more than 200 years,” said Hughes, who noted some of the members had belonged for their entire lives. “I’m excited to see the history of our church continue.”

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