Church seeks help with new elevator installation

Bigfork Community United Methodist Church serves the community as a place of worship, meeting location and emergency shelter. Established in 1902, the church gives back nearly 30% of its annual revenues to nonprofits within the Bigfork community and other charitable organizations. 

Since September, the church has been working to replace its elevator, which has stranded more than one rider.  

“This is a significant financial undertaking for members and friends of CUMC. The elevator cost is $110,000 and installation approximately $20,000,” CUMC said in a press release.  

As of last week, the church had just pushed past the $100,000 mark in fundraising, achieved through local donations and a Flathead Electric Cooperative grant. Installation has begun, and the elevator is set to be functional in mid-February. Church leaders are looking to close the gap and complete the project’s financial goals.  

CUMC hosts various community groups nearly every day of the week; with AA and Scouts meetings, concerts, and more utilizing the space.  

“Certainly in light of what’s happened in L.A., the emergency shelter side of it is I think even more important. We have fires in this community too, and something like that would be important to be able to have a place for people to go,” finance chair Harry Wilson said, in reference to the Palisades Fire.  

The elevator allows all to access the second floor of the church, namely a kitchen.  

Those interested in donating to the project can send funds to the church office or our CUMC treasurer, Rob Petek at 95 South Crestview Terrace, Bigfork, Mt. 59911. Donations are tax deductible, and supporting paperwork will be provided. 

“We believe the new elevator will provide significant assistance within our community as a viable meeting location,” CUMC said in a release.