First United Methodist Church - Elgin Responds to Storm Damage: Safety First, Temporary Worship Plans Released

Elgin, IL – In response to the severe storm damage sustained by First United Methodist Church – Elgin, church leadership is urging the congregation and community to prioritize safety as structur- al evaluations and mitigation efforts continue. The historic church, a pillar of faith and service for 187 years, has sustained structural and electrical damage, and further assessments are ongoing due to the impact of recent rain, snow, and high winds.

“We recognize that this is an emotional time for our members, ministry partners, and the wider El- gin community,” said Rev. Dr. Felicia LaBoy, Lead Pastor of First UMC Elgin. “We know that many of you want to visit the church, but we must emphasize that this is an active construction site. For safety reasons, there is no unauthorized access to the building. We are still identifying potential structural concerns, especially in the sanctuary, and need to allow the space to dry out properly.”

Critical Safety Notices: No Unauthorized Access to the Building

Church leadership has finalized plans with insurance adjusters, contractors, and structural engi- neers—no additional vendors will be accepted at this time.

• We are still identifying structural concerns in the sanctuary. Any authorized visitor must wear a hard hat and be escorted.
• Electrical damage has been confirmed, and power cannot be safely turned on in certain building areas.
• The building must remain closed to unauthorized visitors to allow for drying, structural repairs, and mitigation. Opening the doors prolongs the drying process and increases the risk of additional structural and electrical damage or mold.
• Accessing the building without authorization is considered trespassing.
• If you need to visit the church for any reason, you must call ahead to schedule an es- corted visit.

For safety-related inquiries or escorted access, call our temporary emergency hotline at 224.325.4047.

Additionally, worship services will not be held in the basement for the foreseeable future. As work progresses, the basement may be needed for temporary storage of pews and repair equipment.

Temporary Worship & Ministry Plans

Despite these challenges, First UMC remains committed to its mission and ministry:

• Sunday Worship on March 23 will take place via Zoom at 10:00 am.
• Beginning Sunday, March 30, in-person worship will be held at our temporary home
• Cornerstone UMC (41W170 Russell Rd, Elgin, IL) at 10:00 AM.
• The First UMC Church Office will continue to operate Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 2

PM, at 216 E. Highland Ave., Elgin, IL 60120

• Internal Ministries such as Quilters, Knitters, Guys Stuff, and United Women of Faith may have access to the Choir Room in the East Wing, which remains structurally sound, beginning March 31.
• Partner Organizations—including YouthBuild, Bridging Hearts, Doce Pasos AA, and the Masons—will resume operations on March 31 in the East Wing, which remains structur- ally sound.
• Soup Kettle will continue serving meals from the Small Dining Room in the West Wing, utilizing a side entrance near the West Parking Lot.
• Other activities, such as funerals and post-service fellowship, will occur at the tempo- rary worship site.

Due to the extent of the damage, worship services will not be held inside the church building— including the basement—for the foreseeable future. Church leadership hopes that repairs will al- low them to return to their sanctuary by Advent 2025.

An Evolving Situation: Plans May Change

The situation is being evaluated daily, and plans may change as new information becomes availa-

ble. For the latest updates, please visit fumcelgin.org/march2025stormupdate

A Historic Legacy of Resilience

First UMC has been a vital part of Elgin’s spiritual and community fabric since 1837. A Methodist congregation has worshipped on the same downtown corner for nearly two centuries.

“We are people of faith, hope, and action,” said Rev. Dr. LaBoy. “Just as our congregation rebuilt more than a century ago, we will do so again. For the love of God and the heart of the city, we will rise.”

Stay Updated & Connected

• For safety-related inquiries or escorted access, call the church office at 224.325.4047.
• For general updates, visit fumcelgin.org/march2025stormupdate
• Follow First UMC Elgin on Facebook & Instagram for real-time updates.