On March 24, after worshiping for several weeks at the Smith-Phayer Hospice House Chapel, the congregation of Jacksons Grove UMC resumed worship in their historic sanctuary, now easier and safer to access after the entrance renovation project. The new front and “cemetery side” entrances have a “rise and run” that meets local building codes, and the new ramp is ADA compliant, with designated parking where a van can offload power wheelchairs. 

 

The marker denoting the church as a historic United Methodist site has been moved to a “front and center” location, new landscaping is being installed as part of this project to enhance the beauty of this very special place of worship that has been an important part of the community since the 1830s. 

 

When the contractors removed the old ramp and concrete stairs to begin the project, a significant amount of dry rot in the beams supporting the church was discovered which was immediately repaired. Jacksons Grove UMC welcomes the community to visit and take a look.   

 

– Submitted by Susan M. Davis