June 2024 marks the 200th Anniversary of the founding of the Romeo United Methodist Church. Celebrations are in order both at the church and at the Romeo Community Archives.
About a year and a half ago, the archives acquired the Romeo United Methodist Church Collection. It contains items like scrapbooks, photographs, articles, pamphlets, Treasurer’s books, and cookbooks. Some of which can be seen in this display at the Romeo District Library - Kezar Branch.
Today, let's talk about one of the items that display: the photograph at the top of this article. It came from one of the scrapbooks complied by the Romeo United Methodist Church and was taken on September 10, 1989, when the the church broke ground for its "elevator construction and renovation of its rest room facilities."
Reverend Dean Klump - pastor at the time - displays genuine excitement, knowing that the church will be barrier free and accessible to all. This was a momentous occasion that had been in the works for a while. According to an article found in the June 4, 1997 edition of The Romeo Observer, in 1988, the board of trustees proposed "a need to install an elevator for those having difficulty climbing the stairs and to aid in transporting supplies and caskets during funerals."
The church itself was built in 1872, so it needed some updates to accommodate everyone, especially those with handicaps.
Prior to the ground breaking, the congregation "raised over $70,000 of the $180,000 total cost."
Another article states that at the event, a service was held, in which these words were spoken, "That this church, dedicated to God and used for his purposes, may be accessible to all." The congregation responded, "We break this ground today."
The elevator and restrooms were completed in 1990, and the mortgage for the project was paid off in 1997.
To learn more about the Romeo United Methodist Church, you can contact the Romeo Community Archives at rca@romemodistrictlibrary.org or call (586) 690-4890. You can also check out the display on the church in the lobby at the Romeo District Library - Kezar Branch.
Sources: Romeo United Methodist Church Collection and The Romeo Observer, June 4, 1997, p.4-A