The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Almost every Peru resident has attended an activity at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. The spacious building serves the church and the community at large providing space for meetings, homeless families, receptions, parties, showers, concerts, and more. Some of Peru’s most joyous and important events have taken place within its walls; however, 25 years after its construction, the Fellowship Center is in need of repairs and upgrades. About 18 months ago, the Peru Community Church formed a Capital Campaign Committee and charged it with raising the funds necessary to ensure the Fellowship Center’s future in the Peru community.

Roy Perry and Howard Paul Bell are Capital Campaign Committee members and Peter Lake is the Church Treasurer. Peter Lake talked about a high priority saying, “Our shingle roof is approaching the end of its useful life. We’d like to install a metal roof. It’s more expensive initially, but it will last a long time. We’d also like to restructure the east entrance with a simpler design. We’re having an ice build-up problem.” Roy Perry said, “The heating system is another problem. The electric thermal heating system was state of the art in 1989, but there are much more efficient systems available today. We’re using monitor heaters in most rooms. The thermal heating comes on during the coldest weather.” Entrance doors and the kitchen plumbing are also in need of repair or replacement. The current hot water heating system is also very inefficient. Howard Paul Bell emphasized, “We have to look to the future and try to reduce our operating costs.”

Thanks to gifts and pledges by church members and some fund-raising, the Capital Campaign has a current balance of $73,000, but the Committee has determined that amount needs to grow to $200,000 before initial work can begin. The cost of all repairs and upgrades has been estimated as high as $400,000. Church members continue to make annual pledges and people are coming forward with fund-raising events such as the August 2nd “Ride For the Roof.” The Capital Campaign will be successful with the support of church members and the local community.

Any person or group who would like to assist or contribute to the Capital Campaign should contact the Peru Community Church office at 643-8641 or mail contributions to the Peru Community Church P. O. Box 38, Peru, NY 12972.

Non-profit groups currently utilizing the Fellowship Center include:

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts

Alcoholics Anonymous

Peru Lions Club

RSVP Exercise Program

Town of Peru Children’s Christmas Party

Town of Peru weather back-up site for the Sunday night Gazebo concerts

Coffee House Concerts

Scrapbook Club

Yoga Classes