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The Parchment United Methodist Church
A few years ago on the message board this chapter was founded from, a fellow poster and member of our chapter, James Pierce told a story about his church. Here is the story.
On 05 July 2006, an arsonist decided to set fire to the home of The Parchment United Methodist Church. They repaired the existing building (what’s left of it) so they could return to worship. They are currently in the lower level. The sanctuary should be complete and ready for use by Easter. The lounge was totally destroyed and has been removed. They will be breaking ground for it next week. They also will be putting a basement under it for additional storage and will be adding a new Christian Life center (small gym-half court) so they can begin working with obese children. They have enough funds to complete the building from the outside but there will be no gym floor, new restrooms for the lower level ect, ect. In addition, they must bring the building up to current ADA standards with handicap restrooms ect that were not required when the building was erected in 1964.
They are just short of the final cost and could really use a little help. Leroy Mack (a Country boy) will be performing a benefit concert in October of 2008 (more information on this as it becomes available). What ever you can do to help is greatly appreciated.
The church began its history in the community of Parchment Michigan back in 1909 with Sunday School Classes being held in different homes among the community.
In 1922 a Community House was built and in 1924 they held their first service. Fifty Seven people attended the services from eleven different denominations being the only church in the community.
The same year they began Vacation Bible School in the community house.
In 1949 the Community House had a recorded attendance of six hundred and twenty two members.
In 1965 they broke ground on a new location and began construction of a new Church. While the church was being built services were held in the high school.
In 1966 the held their first service in the new Church and a community is strengthened. The Church has been used for many worthy community activities including The Boy Scouts of America who used the building for meetings, events and storage. A Co-Operative Preschool Program which many of the children of the community have gone through, along with The Kindleberger Summer Festival of Performing Arts.
It is the number four community branch of Loaves and Fishes Food Bank out of twenty nine. They have received the highest award given by Loaves to Fishes Food Banks for their help in the program and with the community. It is a great loss to the less fortunate in the community.
You can see that the arsonist not only tried to destroy a church but a community as well
If you have a kind heart and help hand and wish to help you can make a donation to The Parchment United Methodist Church through paypay by sending monies via parchmentchurdch@sbcglobal.net .
To donate by check or money orders please make payable to:
Parchment United Methodist Church
And send to:
James Pierce
4401 Rollridge
Kalamazoo, MI 49004
Every penny counts and is needed so please don't feel it is not enough, it's always a little more then they had for their mission before.
