03.28.25 - Church Roof Update - Temporary Protective Covering  

If you've driven past the church in the last few days, you may have noticed a white plastic covering on the church roof. This is a temporary shrink wrap, protecting the building from further damage while we work with insurance on repairs. 

As Jeremey Bates from Precision Construction and Roofing explained, "The shrink wrap creates a watertight, 12-mil membrane heat-sealed to the building. Under typical weather conditions, it will last for one year and is the best way to protect the church while we work with the insurance company on repairs." 

This protective barrier allows us time to properly plan and execute the necessary permanent repairs.

Where We Are Now

 
✟ Worship Services
Starting March 30: Worship at our temporary home at 41W170 Russell Rd, Elgin, IL 60124 (formerly Cornerstone UMC).
 
💻 Church Office & Pastoral Care:
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 AM - 2 PM
Location: 216 E. Highland Ave., Elgin, IL 60120
 
🙏 Ministries & Programs:
Music ministry, audio/visual teams, Sunday School, and worship will continue at our temporary site
 
Statement of Commitment:
We will return to our downtown home. Our commitment to Elgin remains unshaken, and we will rebuild with faith and resilience.

Our History, Our Home, Our Hope

A Legacy of Faith & Resilience

Since 1837, First UMC Elgin has served as a cornerstone of faith and community. Through fires, storms, and societal shifts, our church has stood as a place of worship, outreach, and refuge. In 1920, a tornado destroyed our original building, but our congregation rebuilt. Today, 101 years later, we face another challenge. On March 15, 2025, storms tore off part of our roof while we sheltered those in need. Now, we are committed to rebuilding once again - stronger than ever.

“For the Love of GOD, and the Heart of the City”
– Our unwavering commitment to Elgin

How You Can Help

Be Part of the Restoration – Give Today

  • Your donation will help:

    • Replace the roof and restore our sanctuary.
    • Maintain vital outreach programs for those in need.
    • Ensure our return to our historic downtown location.

Ways to Give:

  1. Online Giving (Secure & Easy)

      • (PayPal and Credit Card Options Available)
      • One-time & recurring gifts available

  2. Mobile Donations (Quick & Convenient)

    • Venmo: @FUMCElgin216

  3. By Check

    • Make checks payable to First UMC Elgin & include "Building Development Fund" in the memo line
    • Mail checks to 216 E. Highland Avenue, Elgin IL, 60120

What Happened?

Storm Damage & Immediate Impact

  • On March 15, 2025, severe storms tore off part of our roof.
  • No injuries were reported, but the building suffered significant structural damage.
  • Damage includes:
    • Nearly half of the roof is gone.
    • Interior sanctuary drying efforts are ongoing.
    • Pews have been removed and protected.
    • Parts of our historic organ have been disassembled and safely stored.
    • Stained-glass windows are intact but may need interior wall repairs.
  • Worship services, office operations, and ministries are now temporarily relocated.
News Coverage:


Click on the photo to see drone footage of the damage.

Thank you to Arthur "Ajay" Holmes (@AJaytheCEO) for taking this video for us.

Click on the photo to watch an important video message from Pastor Felicia and the Governance Board.


🚨 No volunteers needed at this time but check back for future opportunities! 🚨
 
💡 Want to Help in Other Ways?
We’re exploring fundraising partnerships with local restaurants. If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out to us at fumcelgin216@gmail.com
 
🙏 Thank You for Being Part of Our Story!


Bishop Dan Schwerin, leader of the Northern Illinois–Wisconsin Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church, expresses gratitude for “the ways that God has brought resilience in the face of this storm from Rev. Dr. Felicia LaBoy, her congregation, and the connection of The United Methodist Church. First United Methodist Church of Elgin has been a good neighbor for many years and their neighbors are responding in kind with the love and mutual benefit we know in Christ.

After surveying the damage and expressing awe at the number of people expressing love for the church and Pastor LaBoy’s hope-filled leadership, Bishop Schwerin invited United Methodists to join him in this prayer:

“God, we give you thanks for the powerful faithfulness of this historic congregation, First United Methodist Church of Elgin. We know that you have stood with them through other storms and you have brought the power and love we know as Christ into their lives and through their lives to impact many. 

“We thank you that there was no loss of life and that you have reminded us of your deep connections through the neighbors who have responded with love and generosity. We thank you for the connection that works together for good to demonstrate your love. Grant, O God, that the days ahead would visit resilience on this congregation and that your name would be praised in Elgin and the world beyond because of the ways that our connection responds to your love. We pray, O God, for a double portion of your spirit for the pastor, staff, and leaders, for it is in Christ's name that we ask it. Amen.”

Bishop Schwerin encourages churches and individuals to make monetary gifts to the church to help not only with physical repairs but continuing ministry.

“I can see a thousand ways that they could spend it,” he said.