W. Dundee, church search for ways to save old parsonage

It may take the Wisdom of Solomon and a few saints to save the old First United Methodist Church parsonage in West Dundee from the wrecking ball.

At the village's committee of the whole meeting Monday, village board members and church leaders continued discussions regarding the future of the property at 310 Main St.

Church leaders say renovations by previous tenants have left the building structurally unsound. And while both West Dundee trustees and the church agree the building should be preserved, church officials contend the structure is a financial drain the congregation cannot afford.

"We are in a situation where it is financially impossible for us the come up with the funds to repair the building," Church Administrative Board Chairman Peter Faust said.

Village leaders implored church leaders to find another solution to funding repairs, which could cost more than $250,000.

Trustees suggested the church consider a lease agreement whereby the tenant invests in improving the building in lieu of rent.

"We've got to try and protect the building, and we've got to make you whole at the same time," Village President Larry Keller said. "This will take the Wisdom of Solomon to solve."

The church has been unable to maintain the property for the last two years, Faust said.

"We could not afford to maintain other properties while we were dealing with the parsonage," Faust said.

The church also owns the sanctuary building at 318 Main St., and the new parsonage at 111 N. Fourth St.

Discussions regarding the demolition of the building, also known as the Alfred Edwards House, began in November 2006 when the church submitted a letter requesting approval for demolition.

At that time, church members told the village the building was not needed and did not fit into the church's expansion plans. It was suggested the site would be used for parking.

The village's Appearance Review Commission denied the demolition request, stating the church failed to present a solid plan for another use of the site. In addition, the commission argued the church had not exhausted all avenues to save the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.