Sanctuary Restoration
It was February, 2022 when the Beggs FUMC Trustee Committee initiated Phase I of the church restoration. The principal goal of Phase I was to complete repairs on the main building in order to reoccupy the sanctuary, offices and basement. The most pressing repair was the roof which was replaced in March 2022. Once the roof was replaced Heat and Air (HVAC) systems were addressed in order of need as well as necessary upgrades to the electrical systems.
On April 17, 2022 Easter Sunday we moved our congregation back into the sanctuary for Easter Services. What a glorious day this was !
Work on the Bell Tower restoration began in August 2022 and has 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. The work on the Bell Tower will be continued as a priority item.
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 has 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 has ended. The total amount of monies raised for this fund from February 2022 through June 2024 is $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 is $66,034.83. There is an ending balance in the restoration fund of $7448.95 which will be the starting balance for the next projects. A detailed and exact accounting for all Restoration Fund expenditures is on file with the Board of Trustees and may be viewed upon request.
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The narthex of our church has deteriorated to the point where we are unable to repair it without some major rebuilding. In spite of our best heartfelt efforts, with the support of your donations, we have come to the point where our 94 year old church needs much more than "bandaging". We are committed to doing whatever it takes to keep our church building something we can take pride in. Therefore, all other restoration projects have been put on hold until we can resolve this problem.
Should you feel so compelled, please send donations to help with the continuing restoration to:
Beggs FUMC
P.O. Box 516
Beggs OK 74421
Please note on your check that it is for the Restoration Fund.