Calvert's oldest UMC adds space
DUNKIRK - It took seven years to raise the funds, but the congregation of Smithville UMC is well underway with the expansion and renovation of their church. They broke ground the end of April.
'We needed to raise the necessary funds prior to building, as we can better expand our ministry programs if we are not burdened with paying off a large building mortgage,' Dr. Glenn Edgecombe, building chairman, told the Calvert Independent.
Smithville is the oldest UMC in Calvert County, built in 1840. It has been designated a Calvert County Historic District site.
The half-million dollar expansion includes enlarging and remodeling the current education building to add classrooms, nursery, choir room, youth room and office space, build a whole new kitchen, add elevators and make the whole church handicapped accessible. 'It will be the first time in our history that the ministry center and sanctuary will be connected,' said the Rev. Darryl Zoller.
'It?s not just the addition of space, but expansion of our thinking and vision,' he said. The church has provided a spiritual foundation for many Dunkirk families over the years and now 'we look forward to serving the community in many more ways in the future.'
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