Central Congregational Church is asking for community input on the future of the iconic Galesburg structure.
They’re inviting the public to meetings on June 20 and 21 to brainstorm future uses for the space.
Members of the 60 Public Square Committee are hoping to figure out how the building can best serve the community according to a Central Congregational news release.
The church says they are open to suggestions including using it for government, non-profits, arts, education or as a center for a multitude of activities.
Jim Eklund, 60 Public Square Committee member and the church’s former pastor, tells Galesburg’s Evening News on WGIL the church is trying to look to the future while dealing with mounting costs of maintaining the 118-year-old edifice.
“The church’s congregation is smaller these days but is still trying to address the issues of how can the church and the building go forward and we are determined to find ways in which that building can really be used for the community,” Eklund says.
The church is dealing with the question of funding ongoing maintenance projects including repairs to the roof and stained glass windows.
Currently three congregations hold weekly services there and Eklund says different organizations hold meetings in the building about 20 days a month.
Central asks that those who plan to attend any of the brainstorming meetings to call the church office ahead of time or email 60publicsquare@gmail.com.
