THE PIERCE PROJECT. . .the transition!

The current building has been faithfully and fruitfully used as a ministry tool for 110 years. However, this new era of ministry growth requires something more.

On Wednesday, January 27, 2016 the members of the Upland United Methodist Church, under the leadership of District Superintendent Rev. Michelle Cobb approved a plan to relocate the church into the former Pierce Governor Factory on 8th Street in Upland, IN. 
 
In 2012 the leadership of Upland UMC approached Mr. Leland Boren, CEO of Avis Industrial Corporation with the idea of purchasing The Pierce Governor Factory, a recently closed manufacturing plant. During the meeting the owner graciously agreed to donate the facility to the Upland UMC. Since that time an environmental study and remediation of the factory has been completed and the church received approval by the District Board of Location & Building to proceed.  The Pierce Project will be a multi-phased transformation - taking an old, dead factory and turning it into a welcoming space for the gathering of God’s people and sharing of the Gospel.  Remodeling is slated to begin spring 2016. The new facility covers nearly 160,000 square feet, compared to our present day 13,700 square feet of space.
 
The current building has been faithfully and fruitfully used as a ministry tool for 110 years. However, this new era of ministry growth requires something more. Parking is limited, the basement floods, restrooms are inadequate, ministry space is crowded, and the church is not handicapped accessible. Remodeling would be costly and inefficient without any additional space added. The Pierce Project provides us with a new chapter in Upland UMC’s kingdom mission, opening exciting opportunities to minister to Upland and the world.
 
Upland UMC is a living legacy of faithful Jesus-followers who are invested in its mission and families through intentional commitment to this church body. For 140 years, God has used the faithfulness and sacrifice of this congregation to grow a dedicated community of believers. As this faith community continues to grow at a faster pace than the facilities can accommodate, the church leadership has sought wise vision for how to move forward in service to god’s Kingdom bringing mission.

The welcome center contains the concrete "safe room" where families were able to sign their names and add scripture in celebration of the project.

The Pierce Project will be a multi-phased transformation - taking an old, dead factory and turning it into a welcoming space for the gathering of God’s people and sharing of the Gospel