The first of several projects to renovate and expand College United Methodist Church, Warrenton, is under way. When completed, the structure — which consists of the 100-year-old sanctuary and the half-century old educational building — will feature a more modern foyer which also will include an elevator and stairways to provide access to all four levels of the building, according to Erick Schmidt, College UMC pastor. The sanctuary and the educational building — which were built separately — are at differing elevations which results in the church having four different floor levels, Schmidt explained. “We’re going to tie everything in and make sure the entire building is handicapped accessible,” he added. The elevator will be large enough to accommodate caskets for funeral services or stretchers in case of an emergency situation, Schmidt said. “It also will include a new canopy drop-off area with a circle drive which will connect to Highway M and a new entrance,” Schmidt remarked. Planned renovations to the foyer will include new carpeting, lighting and an expanded entryway, Schmidt said. The nursery space also will be remodeled. The general contractor is JHooker Construction Services, O’Fallon. Schmidt said due to financial constraints, the project was “scaled down” from its original version, but additional work will be done in phases in coming years. “We don’t want to overextend ourselves,” Schmidt remarked. “We want to be good stewards with our resources. We’re working hard to make sure we proceed responsibly. He noted that funding for the project was provided entirely through contributions and donations. No loans were taken out to fund construction costs. “We’re very excited we were able to do this without borrowing money,” Schmidt asserted, adding that the “generosity of people in our church” made that possible. Due to the recent heavy rainfall, the project is about one week behind schedule, Schmidt said, adding that completion is expected by mid-to late October. “This is the first step,” Schmidt stated. “There are other projects planned for the future.” Future projects will include the addition of a multipurpose facility to the east of the current structure, which also will involve renovation of some classroom spaces, the addition of restroom facilities and a covered drop-off area at the rear of the church will will be large enough to accommodate vehicles. Once the current project is done, a three-fold celebration to mark the church’s 150-year history in Warrenton, the centennial anniversary of the existing sanctuary and the project’s completion will be held, Schmidt said.