March, 2025
Second Century Project Committee Update
Seven years ago—March of 2018—we began meeting around the idea of a Second Century Project. We had numerous goals: To further our mission as a church committed to Inclusion, Justice, and the Arts; to develop a means to financially sustain the congregation through the next century; to take advantage of and showcase our prime location “in the heart of the city for the hearts of the city.” And we wanted to get our plans underway before the failing infrastructure of the 1927 building forced any rushed decision.
Stuart Rose was a leader of this project from the very beginning. He and Lee Terrell as co-chairs began the arduous process of defining needs and resources and assets. They made great progress; Jeff Austin and Greg Johnson came on board to help ask the important questions and research the answers. Lee moved to Florida the next year, and Greg Mantooth took over as co-chair. Stuart and Greg have led us through the wilderness that was COVID, the death of our Project Manager Jeff, emergent concerns and
suggestions from various quarters, and now the vagaries of a questionable equity market and tariffs on steel and lumber. They’ve done a tremendous job—and still believe in this project! They feel it’s time to step down as co-chairs and assume regular membership on the committee.
We are beyond grateful. We are amazed and gratified by their vision, dedication, careful and detailed work behind the scenes, and their sense of humor and goodwill through the setbacks. Thank you so much, Stuart and Greg!
Rev. Dr. Tim Moore is assuming leadership of the Second Century Project. He’s working closely with Stuart and Greg over the next several months to absorb their extensive knowledge of the path thus far. Tim brings leadership skills from chairing past projects as well as an extensive knowledge of fundraising strategies. He sees the big picture and is detail-oriented.
We’re looking forward to the next phase of this project, which is getting the drawings and projected financing solidified.
Thanks to everyone on the Committee, past and present, and to you in the congregation who have given tirelessly of your time, patience, and imagination as we lean into this future, with hope, that God is guiding us through.
How We Arrived at the Second Century Project
First United Methodist Church is taking a strategic look at how it might align its facilities with its ministries to better serve the congregation and the community. While the beautiful sanctuary houses worship services, concerts, and plays, the support area behind the sanctuary – the offices, gym, meeting halls, and classrooms – are used less regularly. Nearing the end of their first century, these facilities are particularly expensive to maintain and less frequently used. Second Century Project is a team of volunteers and clergy who are exploring the possibilities for maintaining the sanctuary and careful redevelopment of the back half of the remaining complex.
The Vision
The Vision for the Second Century Project continues to evolve and become clearer, as it considers these possibilities. This redevelopment could include ground lease or co-development project to build a mixed-use facility including residential, day care facilities, and church office space. FUMC’s five-star Child Development Center could operate its new classrooms from the first floor of the new complex, and its existing playgrounds could remain intact. The residential component could include mostly market-rate housing and be designed to fit into the historic Fourth Ward neighborhood. It may also reserve a portion dedicated to workforce housing for teachers, first responders, restaurant workers and others who are seeking reasonable housing options.
Finally, it would house the church offices and workspace.
Key Milestones
Community workshops 2020 and 2021
Congregational Information Session - February 26, 2023, at 12 noon
Congregation approval of development plan 2023
RFP/Complete transaction 2023
Construction commences 2024 and 2025
Construction completes 2027
Church ministries move into new space 2027 and 2028
Following the United Methodist Church Book of Discipline process, Second Century Project is presenting its plan to the congregation and district committee for approval. The team is actively reaching out to community stakeholders, including neighborhood associations, real estate professionals and government officials. It is also conducting public information sessions and workshops for the congregation and selected stakeholders.