Sweet Home United Methodist Church, now 52 years old, had to replace the heating system last spring at a cost of $27,000 and has been taking a variety of steps including sweat equity, grants, and loans to pay off the bill. July 27 the church will hold a flea market on the lawn from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and tables are currently being reserved with a deadline of Saturday, July 20 for those reservations.
More information may be received from Roger Gillian, 367-4721 or Mary Brenda at 367-2845.
The community church, located at 845 Sixth Avenue, was built in 1949-50 with the first service being held on Easter Sunday 1950. Many prominent Sweet Home business people and professionals were early members including: Dan and Daisy Ashton, Santiam Feed and Garden; Harold and Dorothy Dishaw, Sweet Home School Superintendent; Ivan and Pearl Hoy, Sweet Home Fire Chief; Lyn and Genevieve Rice, who were involved in the lumber industry; Kenneth and Ival Groves, Groves Rexall Drugs; Ed and Irene Hirsche; Avery, Lucille and their daughter Cleora Hash; and Mary Roberts.
The church members first gathered for services in the Long Street Elementary gym, which is now the District tt Administrative offices.
The church children donated quarters for the building foundation fund.
The church steeple, a Sweet Home landmark, toppled into the street during the Columbus Day storm in 1963. Santiam Lumber brought their big crane to reinstall it on the church. This steeple now also is in dire need of repair. Shingles are now falling off allowing birds to nest in the belfry.