Washington Center United Methodist Church is a country church just south of Columbia City. They have ministered to this community for more than 150 years. The original church building was actually a barn that was moved to the site in the mid 1800’s. It was later bricked and a basement was added.

Around seven years ago, tragedy struck! There was a tornado which took off the church roof and caused considerable damage to the inside. They were able to put everything back, just as it had been, maybe a little better.

But they longed to do more. After talking and praying about it for many years, in 2018 the congregation felt the time was right to expand and upgrade its facilities to accommodate an ever-changing church. Once they decided that it WAS going to happen, everything fell into place, including a gift of land from a neighboring farm. They had room and they had a plan!

A lot of thought was put into the project and they couldn’t be more pleased with the results! They were able to employ all local craftsmen to build the 20’ X 42’ addition, which includes an ADA restroom and gathering area.

There was custom oak woodworking installed throughout the addition by a local carpenter. One of the original, beautiful windows was painstakingly removed and reset into the new addition. They were most pleased that the church’s architectural lines were kept in tact.The new addition looked like it had always been a part of the building, which isn’t easy to accomplish!

The new addition will be used for community events and other life groups that meet at the church weekly. This congregation is so excited to see what the next 150 years hold!

The Loan & Savings Ministry is proud that they could play a small part in helping this church fulfill its dream with this new addition!