Crowning the Work: The Final Chapter
Our new roof is nearly complete and only the spire repairs remain. Join us as we complete this $6 million journey, securing our steeple and our legacy for the next 100+ years.
Goal: $120,000
The $120,000 "Final Mile" Goal
To complete this work, we must raise $120,000 this spring. This funding directly covers:
- The Steel "Exoskeleton": Modernizing the internal structural integrity.
- The Copper Crown: Hand-crafted copper cladding to protect the spire from the elements.
- The Carillon Voice: Restoring the housing for our historic bells.
The final piece is in place!
We took things to new heights this morning! The last section of our new spire was officially welded on, marking a huge milestone for our church. 
From Pastor Felicia and Adrian to our Co-Chairs Jen and Carol—who climbed all the way to the peak!—it was a morning to remember. 
We need your help to reach our $120,000 goal! 
Every gift helps us restore this beautiful landmark.
Huge thanks to Jeremey Bates and the team from Precision Construction & Roofing for the expert work and Phil Broxham for the incredible drone views! 
#SpireRestoration #ElginIL #BuildingFaith #ToTheTop #fumcelgin #firstumcelgin #PrecisionConstruction
A Moment of Sacred Return ✨
It was a day of profound significance for our congregation. On March 19, 2026, we received the long-awaited news: our original cross was coming home, and its successor was ready for installation. ⛪️
Before it was raised to its final place, Pastor Felicia led us in a powerful moment of prayer, officially consecrating the cross in accordance with the UMC Book of Discipline. It was a beautiful bridge between our history and our future. 🙏
We want to extend a special thank you to Matt from Precision Construction & Roofing. His team not only handled the logistics with care but went above and beyond by granting us the sacred time needed to bless the cross and coordinating the installation so we could witness the entire process from the perfect vantage point on the parking deck across the street. 🏗️🌅
Seeing the cross rise once more was a testament to our community's resilience and faith. We are so grateful for this new chapter! 🙌
"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." 🙏 -Galatians 6:14
For nearly 190 years, our steeple has stood as a landmark of faith in the heart of downtown Elgin. As we enter the final phase of our $6 million restoration, we invite you to help us "crown the work."
Following a major storm, we discovered critical structural decay that must be repaired to ensure our spire and carillon remain safe and sound for the next century. Every gift made here goes directly toward our $120,000 "Final Mile" goal.
Join us in restoring our skyline and ensuring our bells continue to ring out God’s grace for generations to come.
Leave Your Legacy: Every Gift Builds the Foundation
This restoration belongs to all of us. For 189 years, First UMC Elgin has been built by the collective spirit of its people—one prayer, one service, and one gift at a time. As we crown this $6 million journey, we invite every member of our community to be part of this historic moment.
Regardless of the size of your contribution, your name represents a vital "living stone" in our church. Whether you are providing a landmark gift or a humble offering, you are helping to ensure our bells ring for the next century.
Ways to Be Recognized
The Collective Spirit: Every gift, of any amount, will be celebrated as part of the "Collective Spirit of the First UMC Congregation," a special dedication that will anchor our commemorative bronze plaque.
Named Recognition: For those who can provide a landmark gift at the Skyline Partner level ($1,000) or above, we offer the opportunity for an individual or "In Memory Of" name placement on the permanent Narthex plaque.
- The Spire Circle ($25,000+): Anchor donors helping to crown the completion of our restoration.
- Carillon Sustainers ($10,000): Stewards of our music, ensuring our faith continues to ring across Elgin.
- Sentinel Stewards ($5,000): Protectors of our historic skyline and the structural integrity of our landmark.
- Skyline Partners ($1,000): Supporters who believe in maintaining our visible presence in the heart of downtown.
- Foundation Friends (Gifts of any amount): Every gift, large or small, ensures we cross the finish line as one united body.
The Commemorative Bronze Plaque
To celebrate this moment, a permanent bronze plaque will be installed in the Narthex.
- Foundation Friends (Gifts of Any Amount): All contributors will be celebrated collectively as the "Foundation of Faith" that made this work possible.
- Anchor Donors ($1,000+): Donors at these levels will receive individual or memorial name placement on the plaque.
Give by Mail
First UMC Elgin
Attn: Steeple Fund
216 E. Highland Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120
Legacy Giving
For QCDs, Stock Transfers, or Matching Gifts, please contact our Financial Secretary at 847.741.0038 or adidricksen@fumcelgin.org
