Elgin's First United Methodist Church Nears Completion of Microburst Repairs

Congregation has raised nearly all of the $6 million needed to replace the roof, steeple, and repair interior damage.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:41pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a church steeple in warm, golden light, capturing the mood of a community coming together to restore a historic landmark.The shimmering new steeple of Elgin's First United Methodist Church stands as a symbol of the congregation's resilience and community spirit.Elgin Today

More than a year after a microburst tore off the roof of Elgin's First United Methodist Church, repair work is nearing completion. The congregation has raised nearly all of the $6 million needed to replace the roof, put up a new steeple, and repair interior damage from the violent storm that struck in March 2025.

Why it matters

The restoration of this historic 100-year-old church building is a significant undertaking for the Elgin community, which has rallied behind the congregation during the rebuilding process. The church's outreach programs and community partnerships have continued throughout the reconstruction, demonstrating its commitment to serving the local area.

The details

While the sanctuary won't be ready for Easter services, major progress has been made, including electrical and HVAC upgrades, plaster work, ceiling restoration, and steeple repairs. Remaining work includes flooring, lighting, organ reinstallation, and final inspections. The project has been funded in part by a grant and a special honorarium gift.

  • The microburst struck in the early hours of March 15, 2025.
  • Reconstruction work began in the year following the storm.
  • Hopes of finishing repairs by Easter 2026 were dashed due to delays.
  • Steeple restoration was completed in late March 2026.
  • The congregation is targeting a return to the building in June 2026.

The players

First United Methodist Church

A 100-year-old church in Elgin, Illinois that suffered significant damage from a microburst in 2025.

Rev. Felicia LaBoy

The pastor of First United Methodist Church, overseeing the rebuilding efforts.

Patrick Jackowiec

The assistant general manager of ServPro, who has provided expertise and dedication to the restoration project.

Jeremy Bates and Gary Moore

Precision Roofing and Construction employees who have been invaluable throughout the process.

National Fund for Sacred Places

The organization that provided a grant to help fund the restoration work.

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What they’re saying

“We need to raise at least $120,000 to complete the project, primarily due to costs not covered by insurance.”

— Rev. Felicia LaBoy, Pastor

“We have seen and firmly believe that as we have tried our best to be good neighbors to our community, even in the midst of this restoration, we are confident that they will join us in completing our restoration.”

— Rev. Felicia LaBoy, Pastor

“Now, with the scaffolding down, you can clearly see the steeple from everywhere, especially how it shimmers in the sun.”

— Rev. Felicia LaBoy, Pastor

What’s next

The congregation is targeting a return to the building in June 2026, assuming no further delays.

The takeaway

The restoration of Elgin's First United Methodist Church demonstrates the resilience and community spirit of the congregation, as they have continued their outreach and partnerships throughout the rebuilding process. This project highlights the importance of historic preservation and the role that churches can play in serving their local communities.