Church Reconstruction Meeting Recording
09.07.25 Update
Beloved Congregation,
Thank you to everyone who attended today's meeting to discuss the reconstruction and repairs of our church building. We appreciate you taking the time to join us for these essential updates on our progress.
For those who were unable to attend, or if you'd like to review the information, you can now watch the recording of the meeting. In the recording, you'll hear from Rev. Dr. Felicia LaBoy, members of the Governance Board, and our partners from ServPro, and Rev. Wendy Hardin Hermann.
The meeting covered what happened, why we're repairing the church, our plans for future worship services, and what's next for our congregation.
Click on the photo to watch the recording.
In faith,
The First UMC Elgin Governance Board
09.03.2025 Update
Great news from First UMC Elgin!!
On Wednesday, September 3, we took another big step in our rebuild process. Jen Haley, Al Walters, Mike Kenning from Farmers Insurance, and Patrick from ServPro all toured the "dance floor" level of the Sanctuary scaffolding. Al was a little nervous about how high up they were, but he made it up like a champ!
They met to review (and finalize!) ServPro's plan for the Sanctuary's interior rebuild. You can see just how high they were by the top of the Resurrection and Rose windows' stained glass in the background. We're getting closer every day!
Jen & Patrick
Rose window in the background
The original hole
Tarps covering the wooden timbers
It is really high!
Why are we up here??
Oh boy!
Resurrection window in the background
Taking notes on the dance floor
That's how you get up there
Al has had enough!
The "dance floor"
05.30.25 - First UMC Elgin Storm Update
Welcome, friends, to an important update on our journey of rebuilding here at First UMC Elgin! 🏡 As you know, the March 2025 storm brought some unexpected challenges to our beloved church home. ⛈️ But through it all, your incredible spirit and support have truly shone through. 🙏
In this video, we're excited to share a clear picture of where we stand. You'll get a brief overview of what's happened since the storm, what's happening right now in our restoration efforts, and a sneak peek at what's to come in the months ahead. 🗓️ We've also put together a plan to guide us through the next few crucial months. 🛠️
We’re so grateful for your continued partnership in this vital work. Your faithful contributions to your yearly pledge 🤝, the Capital Campaign 💰, and the Building Development Fund 🏗️ are making all of this possible. Thank you for being a part of our future!
05.08.25 Rebuilding Update
We're pleased to share the following updates on the restoration of our beloved downtown home:
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Sanctuary Walls: The cleaning of the Sanctuary walls has been completed.
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Sanctuary Ceiling Timbers: Cleaning of the ceiling timbers is currently in progress.
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West Wing Reconstruction: The West Wing's reconstruction is well underway. Painting is in progress, and flooring installation will follow soon.
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Roofing: The insurance company is working closely with the roofing contractors and has approved a full roof replacement! We are excited to announce that the new roof will again be made of copper. The insurance company and contractors are currently working out the details.
We will continue to provide updates as the work progresses. Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work to restore our beloved downtown home.
Exciting progress at the building site last week! Our Governance Board Co-Chair Jennifer Haley and Trustee Steward Dan Pritchett took an insightful tour, even venturing up to the "dance floor" on the top level of the scaffolding catwalks. They also checked in on the ongoing work in the west wing. In other news, the Sanctuary lights have been carefully removed and are now safely stored in the Boy Scout Room. Stay tuned for more updates!
04.22.25 Update: Rebuilding efforts are moving forward! This Monday, scaffolding in the Sanctuary reached the ceiling, and new catwalks now provide our contractors with safe access to the attics. This allows for a thorough inspection of the wooden beam ceiling for any damage caused by debris and water. We've also successfully removed all the red carpet and opened several walls to investigate potential water damage. Good news on the east side stairwell: it has been shored up, and repairs are currently underway to address the damage it sustained from falling masonry. While we continue our mitigation and drying processes, we are working closely with the insurance company to ensure the rebuild progresses smoothly.
04.13.25 Restoration Update
Eleven of twelve ceiling lights have been removed and stored for documentation, relocation, review, and storage during the project. Attic inspections revealed more water damage to the bell tower/spire support and staining above the chancel. Scaffolding construction is advancing quickly.
Significant steps have been taken to protect the space and prepare for work, including moving pews and the piano off-site, covering stained glass, securing the chancel, and tarping wood. Scaffolding and catwalk construction are underway for upper access, and attic dampness mitigation continues. East stairwell assessment is complete, with repairs starting this week.
Planned work includes plaster removal in the southeast stairwell, complete coverage of stained glass, cleaning sanctuary walls, and in the attic, removing tarps and insulation and identifying damaged wood.
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
**Please call 847.741.0038 before visiting the church**
Music ministry, audio/visual teams, Sunday School, and worship will continue at our temporary site
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.
How You Can Help
Be Part of the Restoration – Give Today
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Your donation will help:
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Replace the roof and restore our sanctuary.
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Maintain vital outreach programs for those in need.
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Ensure our return to our historic downtown location.
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Ways to Give:
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Online Giving (Secure & Easy)
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(PayPal and Credit Card Options Available)
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One-time & recurring gifts available
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Mobile Donations (Quick & Convenient)
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Venmo: @FUMCElgin216
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By Check
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Make checks payable to First UMC Elgin & include "Building Development Fund" in the memo line
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Mail checks to 216 E. Highland Avenue, Elgin IL, 60120
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What Happened?
Storm Damage & Immediate Impact
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On March 15, 2025, severe storms tore off part of our roof.
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No injuries were reported, but the building suffered significant structural damage.
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Damage includes:
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Nearly half of the roof is gone.
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Interior sanctuary drying efforts are ongoing.
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Pews have been removed and protected.
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Parts of our historic organ have been disassembled and safely stored.
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Stained-glass windows are intact but may need interior wall repairs.
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Worship services, office operations, and ministries are now temporarily relocated.
Click on the photo to see drone footage of the damage.
Thank you to Arthur "Ajay" Holmes (@AJaytheCEO) for taking this video for us.
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
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.
