Senior Pastors Dionne and Craig Hammond

MELBOURNE—First United Methodist Church of Melbourne is embarking on a major construction project that will radically transform the historic church.

Once complete, the west wing of the 135-year-old church will have been replaced by an open-air central entrance, new welcome center and many other improvements.

The construction and renovation will continue throughout 2018.

“We are a historic church that is moving into the future,” co-Senior Pastor Dionne Hammond said. “We want to have a campus that reflects our core values.”

Church leadership believes that the new construction will help the facility to better embody the church’s mission to “Love God, Love People, And Change The World.” 

Attention to creating a hospitable environment has led to growth in many areas in the church, including younger families and recently graduated professionals.

“This project is about intentionally creating a welcoming campus for the community,” co-Senior Pastor Craig Hammond said.

A ceremony was held at the church on June 3 to commemorate the past and look to the future. Growth in recent years at the church has made the upcoming changes a positive step for the church community.