Keeping the Faith in Downtown Provo

– A Community Cornerstone Restoration Project –

Nearly 130 years ago a young schoolteacher, having never before been west of the Hudson river, opened the doors of a tiny classroom. Her mission school was sponsored by the New West Education Commission from Boston, Massachusetts and located in a home in downtown Provo.

This very humble beginning grew into a growing Christian education system, Sunday school, and was what is now the Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ at 200 North University Ave. in historic downtown Provo.

Today, the church hosts countless community groups and events, and despite the now smaller numbers of church members, it continues to honor its roots with serving the community. These walls host support groups for those struggling with addictions, scout packs and troops, wellness clinics, meals and items prepared for local outreach organizations, seminars, plays, recitals (there is a 12-step group and a recital happening tonight even as I share this with you), two community choirs, concerts, as well as worship services and activities that welcome all through these doors.

Time has taken its toll on these old structures that are an iconic landmark in the area. Roofs and overhangs are failing, stucco splitting and crumbling, facia and gutters falling off, windows letting as much air through as they do water. Operating systems, electrical, plumbing, asbestos, and finishes are all in need of replacement, removal, or refreshing. The buildings haven't kept up with today’s modern higher-tech needs either. In many ways, these spaces are still trapped in the eras they were built. While they were beautiful, they are in a sad state of their former selves.

The church and its members for over 100 years have given to the community they love and continue to serve. We are asking for your assistance in helping us continue and expand our mission to better serve, and more fully do so well into the future.

Learn more at: keepingthefaithprovo.org