First UMC Elgin

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.

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.

"Gracious God, protect the hands that labor and bless the hearts that give. May our spire always point toward Your grace."