Our Building Restoration Progress
Phase I
Phase I
It was February, 2022 when the Beggs FUMC Board of Trustees initiated Phase I of the church restoration. At that time, services were being held in the fellowship hall. After many prayerful days and nights along with the generosity of our members and friends as well as the tireless efforts of many members of our congregation we were once again able to conduct our Sunday services in our sanctuary, Our first service was held on April 17, 2022 - Easter Sunday ! What an appropriate and glorious day that was !
The next part of the restoration was trying to stop the rains from seeping into the Bell Tower. This project began in August 2022 and was proven to be difficult and extensive. Much of the masonry was deteriorated and had to be professionally restored and the leaks, while they have not been completely eradicated, have been diminished drastically. It became clear that more drastic measures would need to be taken to stop the leakage.
In November 2022, construction started on a new Family Restroom and Sitting Room located on the Sanctuary level for improved access. While the materials and contractors were paid for by the restoration funds much of the carpentry work was completed by a group of volunteers from Faith Church Glenpool as an outreach mission. Additional labor was provided by our local church members.
Repairs and restoration of the brick walls/railings surrounding the front and side stairways to the sanctuary was completed in September 2023. The fascia boards and soffits were repaired and painted as well as new gutters for the roof were installed. As part of the downstairs restoration the lighting was upgraded and retrofitted for LED lighting and the electrical wiring upgrade with the addition of a dedicated circuit for a freezer.
Work continued into 2024 as the ground level doors and windows were cleaned, repaired as necessary, caulked and painted.The masonry trim belting the building and bell tower were cleaned and painted. The entry hallway to the basement has a new ceiling and the walls were repaired and painted. The majority of the work accomplished in 2024 has been due, in large part, to the generosity of our members in the giving of their time and resources. We are truly blessed to be serving in such a giving community and church.
As of July 2024, Phase I of Beggs FUMC Restoration ended. The total amount of monies raised for this fund from February 2022 through June 2024 was $63,483.78. In addition to the funds raised $10,000.00 was transferred from our building fund to the restoration fund making the total available funds of $73,483.78. The total expenditure of the restoration funds during Phase I was $66,034.83. There was an ending balance in the restoration fund of $7448.95 which was the starting balance for the next phase of the restoration project. A detailed and exact accounting for all Restoration Fund expenditures is on file with the Board of Trustees and may be viewed upon request.
Phase I
Phase II
Restoration Phase II is mainly focused on repairing our narthex (bell tower / entrance). The age of the masonry work has led to major water incursion in the upper levels around the bell which then seeps down into the entrance. This has damaged the ceiling tiles, plaster walls and flooring.
The repair work on the outside of the bell tower was started in late December of 2025. This part of the repair work has now been completed which means that water can no longer seep in through the brickwork.Work on the portico is expected to begin soon - weather permitting.
Now that we are assured the water seepage has been stopped, work on the inside of the entry will begin in late January 2026.. The damage to the flooring and joists is significant and will require much work so it will require a longer repair time. It is hoped that the work can be completed by the end of February.
If God should so move you .......
We need your help
For 96 years, our church has stood as a place of worship, refuge, and community. Generations have walked through its doors—finding hope in hard times, celebrating life’s joys, and growing in faith together. It has witnessed countless baptisms, weddings, and moments of prayer, offering a place for solace and spiritual growth.
Because of the generous donations from our friends, neighbors and members we raised enough funds to begin the work on our most urgent need - getting the bell tower to where water can no longer get inside of the building as well as repairing the damage caused by the water,
But we are are still short of reaching our final goal of $250,0000. The donations and pledges made to date total just over $190k. We still have other issues to address as we strive to maintain our facilities.
We are turning to you — friends, family, neighbors, and those who believe in preserving sacred and historic places — for help. Your donation will go towards:
• Restoration of the beautiful stained-glass windows that make our church a unique and cherished place is next. The frames on multiple windows have begun to sag to the point that large gaps between the windows and framing have appeared. Repair cost - $65,000
At some point in the distant past, the windows were covered on the outside with plexiglass to protect the windows but those have yellowed with age making it extremely difficult to see the stained glass from the outside. The plexiglass will be replaced and the windows repaired and cleaned.
• Repairs to the entry mandates that we must also install safety upgrades to ensure accessibility and comfort for all. This requires installing ADA compliant access to the front of the church which is estimated to cost $12,000.
• The sidewalks leading to the church and fellowship hall must be replaced as they have become broken and jagged and a tripping hazard exists as well as making handicap access very difficult. Estimated cost to repair- $7500.
• Demolition and removal of old parsonage.. Estimated cost $25,000
Our goal is not just to fix a building—it’s to preserve a legacy, to keep the doors open for worship, outreach, and community life for generations to come. We invite you to be a part of this important project. Every gift, no matter how large or small, brings us one step closer to preserving this sacred space for future generations.
We ask for your prayers, your generosity, and your support as we work together to restore this beloved church. Thank you for helping us continue this legacy of faith and service.
If you’re unable to donate at this time, you can still help by sharing this campaign with others who might feel called to give.
We are deeply grateful for your support, your prayers, and your generosity. Let’s restore this sacred space together
Click on the DONATE tab above or go to www.gofundme.com/beggs-methodist-church
With heartfelt gratitude and blessings,
The Beggs United Methodist Members
How you can help
Click on the link below to donate to our cause. Whether you are able to give or not, please share this page with your family and friends which will spread the word concerning our needs. As always, your donation, prayers and assistance is greatly appreciated.