Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Methodist Church building plans on hold

Boulder City United Methodist Church

Richard Brian

Pastor John Ritenour looks over a dirt plot at Georgia Avenue and Adams Boulevard where the Boulder City United Methodist Church has planed on building a sanctuary.

Just weeks after the Boulder City Planning Commission approved plans for its first sanctuary, Boulder City United Methodist Church has put its building fund on hold.

Because of the recession, people in need have to come first, Pastor John Ritenour said.

"We've discussed time goals (for beginning construction), and we decided as a church because of the situation, instead of emphasizing the building fund, we're emphasizing the benevolence fund," Ritenour said.

The benevolence fund is a church collection that helps members with utility bills, groceries and gas for cars — everyday expenses that weigh more heavily during the economic downturn.

The church began meeting in 2000 in a garage. Now, about 75 members meet at 10 a.m. every Sunday for traditional worship in the Senior Center of Boulder City.

In 2006, the church bought 3.5 acres near Utah Street by Boulder City Cemetery for a future home.

The Planning Commission last month approved United Methodist's plans for a 9,000 square-foot chapel there. Before the church can build on the lot, it expects to spend another $300,000 on leveling a drainage ditch and extending a drainage pipe, Ritenour said.

In all, it will need about $2 million to finish the chapel.

Ritenour said even without its own recognizable structure, the church is attracting more worshipers on Sundays. The new chapel will seat 172 people, he said.

Cassie Tomlin can be reached at 948-2073 or [email protected].

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