A project that included a new ramp, enlarged vestibule and insertion of a stained glass window at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hughesville, has recently been completed. “We’ve been thinking and talking about this for about 20 years,” Barry Hodge, Project Manager, said, and we had an artist’s rendering done in 2003.” Jeff Bower, who, along with Hodge and Bill Babcock, were manning a food station during the church’s recent Rummage Sale, added. “It’s been a long time coming. The wood on the ramp was rotting, and the railings of the old one were unstable. We’ve been able to go ahead with it now, mostly because of generous bequests from Janet Kohler and Diane Voneida. The endowments covered about 80% of the cost.”

The widened ramp and double-size vestibule fit well with the 138-year-old structure. The outside concrete stucco walls conform to the appearance of the church. “The vestibule was enlarged and brightened to make it more welcoming, as most people use this back entrance for church, because of the parking lot directly behind it,” Hodge stated.

The stained-glass window that has now been placed in the vestibule had been removed in the 1960’s because of the expansion of Steumpfle Hall.

Those directly involved with the project included Mike Miller, Council President; Ron (Bud) Montgomery, Pastor at the start of the Project; Jeff Bower, Trustee-Treasurer of Trinity, and Barry Hodge, Project Manager. The architect for the project was Anthony Visco; Master Contractors built the structures.