A symbol of faith, community and service in Beggs is facing a serious threat-and the congregation and community are rallying to save it.
This Saturday, Sept. 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Beggs United Methodist Church will host a “Save the Bell Tower” Fundraiser, a family-friendly event designed to raise critical funds for emergency repairs to the church’s deteriorating bell tower and entryway. The fundraiser promises a little something for every- one-from bargain hunters and food lovers to children seeking weekend fun.
— A Full Day of Festivities
The fundraiser will take place on church grounds and includes:
• Yard Sale – Browse a wide variety of items at unbeatable prices.
• Bell Tower BBQ – $10 gets you a hearty plate of a sandwich, chips, beans, a cookie, and a drink.
• Popcorn & Cotton Candy Just $2 each.
• Bounce House Fun – For only $5, kids can bounce to their hearts’ content.
The church’s emergency food pantry and community closet/ thrift store will also open as usual at 11 a.m., continuing their mission of service to the community.
For those who can’t attend but wish to contribute, the church has also launched a GoFundMe campaign at https://www.gofundme. com/f/beggs-method-ist church, where supporters can donate directly to the restoration effort.
— A House of Worship in Crisis Beggs United Methodist Church has stood for nearly a century-95 years-as a pillar of the community. It has hosted baptisms, weddings, funerals, and Sunday services for generations. It’s a place where many found hope in dark times and celebrated life’s milestones. Now, the church itself needs hope-and help.
The immediate threat lies in the bell tower and narthex (entryway). After decades of weather and time taking their toll, the masonry surrounding the bell structure has begun to fail, allowing rainwater to pour into the building’s interior. This has caused widespread damage to the wooden framing, floors, ceiling, and even the basement.
“The torrential rains of the past few months have made the damage much worse,” noted organizers Allan Large and Lisa Simms, who co-launched the fundraiser. “It’s no longer a cosmetic issue- it’s a structural emergency.”
Despite more than $50,000 already spent on repair attempts over the last four years, the congregation, which numbers just 30 members, has been unable to halt the decay.
— The Engineering Plan: Saving the Tower
The church has engaged a professional engineering firm to develop a comprehensive restoration plan. The cost estimate for the first phase of work exceeds $125,000. That phase includes:
• Removing the stepped masonry top of the bell tower to create a flat surface.
• Installing a hipped roof to deflect rain more efficiently.
• Repairing the wooden framing, flooring, foundation, and masonry inside and around the entryway.
The goal is to preserve the church’s structure without compromising its historical integrity, a delicate task that requires professional guidance and skilled labor.
— More Than Bricks & Mortar: Restoring the Heart of the Church While stabilizing the bell tower is the first priority, additional funds will go toward other critical upgrades:
• Stained-Glass Window Restoration – The frames are sagging, and gaps are forming. Many windows are also obscured by yellowed plexiglass once intended to protect them. This will be replaced with modern, clear materials.
• ADA Accessibility Upgrades As the entry is rebuilt, the church will add features to ensure people of all mobility levels can enter comfortably and safely.
• Sidewalk Replacement – Aging concrete has cracked and become dangerous, especially for seniors and individuals using mobility aids.
“These are not luxuries,” said a church member. “They are essential upgrades to ensure our church remains a place of welcome, safety, and community.”
— More Than a Building: A Mission to Serve
Beggs United Methodist Church is more than just a historic structure-it’s an active force for good in the community. Its emergency food pantry and community thrift store are lifelines for many residents, offering essentials to those struggling with food insecurity or other challenges.
The fundraiser is not just about saving the church building. It’s about preserving a mission to serve, a hub of hope and help in Beggs that has operated with generosity and resilience for nearly a century.
— A Call to Action
Organizers hope Saturday’s event will bring out families, friends, and neighbors to share in the spirit of community and contribute to a lasting cause. But they also urge supporters far and wide to consider donating through the GoFundMe campaign or spreading the word.
“We’re not just fixing a roof. We’re preserving our legacy. We’re keeping our doors open for worship, outreach, and love,” said one member. “We need help-but we have faith.”
Whether it’s through a pulled pork sandwich, a child’s smile in the bounce house, a yard sale purchase, or a $10 donation online, every contribution matters.
Help ensure that this house of worship continues to be a beacon of hope and help for generations to come.
