HISTORY OF COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 1910 TO 1980
GROWTH
The ground breaking ceremony for the new building was conducted on October 4, 1953, with Dr. J. F. Young, Administrative Assistant to Bishop Hazen G. Werner, officiating. In a letter to Pastor Imhausen. dated October 5,1953, the day after the ceremony, Dr. Young stated, "Your location is an ideal one...and certainly the new church will be unlimited in its prospects.The prime contract was let to Beale Construction Company on February 17, 1954. for a total of $72.848.00. Other contracts for heating, plumbing, and electrical work were awarded later the same year. The grand total cost of the Religious Education building would accumulate to almost $90, 000 before completion, allowing for changes in plans, insurance, and architect's fees.
During the spring and summer of 1954, members of the congregation drove by the building site frequently to witness the steady growth of the building that was to become their new church home. By November the first unit of the Master Plan was completed and dedication services were held on November 21, 1954, with Bishop Hazen G. Werner presiding. The first united church service and Church School session for both branches of Community were held on that date, and were well attended.
Within
a month, a second worship service was added to accommodate the large
congregation.The first infant to be christened in the new sanctuary was Susan McClure, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gus McClure, Jr., on November 21, 1954. The first couple to be joined in marriage in the new church was William and Eloise McClure on November 27, 1954.