GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The First United Methodist Church was founded back in 1835, more than a decade before Grand Rapids became a city. The church has stood on the corner of Fulton Street and Barclay Avenue since its dedication in 1916.
Over the years, multiple renovation projects have helped maintain the status quo, but leaders with the church say it was finally time for a major upgrade. Demolition began about four months ago, with crews gutting the floors, ceilings and everything in between — offering a glimpse of the church as it was decades ago.
“This has been a wild project so far,” said Audrey Kawel, director of children’s ministry and faith development at the church. “This building contains a lot of history.”
Kawel says the planning process began about eight years ago, identifying the need to increase accessible space for fellowship…