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This Christmas, the Marvel United Methodist Church hopes to welcome over 180 people to services in a new sanctuary more than four decades in the making.
Church members saved for 44 years to build the estimated $300,000 extension to the church that will double the current space and provide easier access for the elderly.
An annual Groundhog Day fundraiser was central to saving for the expansion.
Treasurer Larry Cordell said the church raised around $3,000 to $4,000 each year from the event, where they would make over 100 pounds of sausage as a group and cook dinner afterward for around 400 people. A portion of proceeds went toward the building fund and a portion to community outreach. Members also donated separately to the building fund throughout the years.
Cordell said an expansion was planned when the church was built in 1974 because space was limited. The church was originally founded in 1908 with services held in homes. In 1912, the first church was built around 1 mile west of the current location, and six years later it was moved by horse teams to the present location where they rebuilt in 1974.
“A lot of the church people are really anxious to see the building completed so they can use it,” he said. “It’s been promised to the community for a long time.”
Pastor Bud Rousset said the new structure will serve as the sanctuary, and the existing building will be used as a multipurpose area.
“We’re building for the glory of God and for the people in this locale,” he said.
The new building will be one level, which is safer for elderly attendees who currently have to go up and down stairs.
Longtime church member Pat Greer started attending Marvel United Methodist when he was 12 years old. He married his wife, Lyla, in the church in 1953.
In the 70-plus years he’s been going to Marvel United, Greer has seen other little churches in the area come and go.
“Our church managed to stay open during the years,” Greer said.
Construction of the foundation began in mid-October, and completion is expected in early December.
kwalsh@durangoherald.com
