By ALEXANDRA NEWMAN

St. John’s United Church has announced Phase I of its proposed $1.2 million total project is almost ready to break ground by early fall. It’s estimated the entire project will take 10 years.

Church President Tim Pell recently revealed drawings of the 1,600 square foot extension which will include a new kitchen, ground level entrance and lift for all floors and a gathering hall. The current building downstairs will be renovated, which will double the class size.

“The building has been too small for the activities that take place here,” Pell said.

“We had to raise enough money to get the project going, before we could go forward with it, Pell said. “The vote was unanimous for the capital campaign, which shows the unity for the project. The initial phase will cost about $650,00. Parishioners have committed $430,000 in a three-year capital campaign. St. John’s congregation currently has about 210 members. Eighteen new members joined just a few weeks ago. However, the expansion has been discussed for the past 10 years.

“We wanted to stay downtown,” Pell continued, adding that the church has been vital in the community. Meals on Wheels serves out of the St. John’s kitchen, providing meals and company for the elderly and homebound area residents and St. John’s was the initial church to spearhead the formation of the United Churches Resale in 2000. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous also have met for years at the church, and the Church is the sponsor of Boy Scout Troop 908. Girl Scouts have also met there.

Also, the brick house on the corner of Second St. and Lincoln Ave., adjoining the church property, has provided transitional living assistance to those in need (through Spring Valley Shelter). The house, which belongs to the Church, will be moved to provide room for the project.

“We also want to keep the look of the 180 year old church, he continued. “We want to maintain what makes Chesterton, Chesterton.”

For the past 32 years, St. John’s United Church has served as a union church, in partnership with two denominations - Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and United Church of Christ. Currently the Church has been collaborating with Chesterton’s First United Methodist Church for some ministries and parking accommodations.

“We are excited to get Phase I going,” Pell said.

Posted 5/9/2008