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WASHINGTON - It looked pretty bleak to the 29 members remaining after the pastor and most of the parishioners left Douglas Memorial UMC in September last year. But times have changed and the church is now thriving and growing.

The trustees, headed by Willie Davis, recently sold the parsonage, which was no longer needed. With the funds, the church was able to put on a new roof, install an elevator to enable older members to access the building, put in a new sound system and paint the interior.

'We started with zero when the church was abandoned,' said the Rev. Helen Fleming, who has served as an interim pastor since last fall. The previous pastor had moved out all the furnishings and equipment.

The membership of the church 'has now multiplied to 50,' Fleming said. 'The building has been transformed.'

Fleming credits Delores Wright, the administrative board chair, Hazel Franklin, the finance chair, and Davis for their diligent work in 'bringing it all together.'

The bishop has appointed Fleming as part-time pastor at the church beginning in July, while she continues in her conference position as assistant to the bishop.