On Friday, November 21, 2008 Zach, along with his outreach guy John and his nurse LeAnn, went to check out wheelchair accessibility at First United Methodist Church in Jamestown, ND, USA. It was a chilly day and we hurried while loading Zach and his wheelchair into and out of the van.
We parked in the handicapped parking (diagonal, in the street) on the south side of the church (the front side) and noticed a glitch as there was no cut out for us to access the sidewalk at that spot. We had to go out into the street around the back of the van and up onto the sidewalk using the alleyway to the west. Using the automatic door button on the church, we opened the door and entered. It felt better inside.
The south entrance is located near the church offices and Pastor Kenrad Pederson greeted us warmly and we began our tour. We first checked out the new elevator which was spacious for all four of us plus Zach's large wheelchair. There had been a small elevator in this location but it was not adequate for wheelchair users so this is a major improvement! We took the elevator down to the lower level where the other door opened and we entered a large room with round tables set up for socializing and for adult classes.
Back to the elevator and up to the sanctuary level where we entered the sanctuary in the overflow area. This would be the place for wheelchair users to gather.
Into the elevator again and we went up again to the Sunday school classroom level. They have a number of very large modern classrooms. There are steps only up to the balcony so we weren't able to get up there.
This is a beautiful setting for worship and the congregation has ongoing Bible study and an exceptional music ministry including the traditional vocal choir, several handbell choirs; a worship band (i.e. horns, flutes, etc.) and a youth worship band (i.e. guitars, drums, etc.).
We suggest you check them out!
Handicapped Access Highlights:
- The new elevator is spacious.
- Great Handicapped parking.
- Ramps front and back.
Recommendation: Park on the north side of the church in the parking lot and access the church from that side to avoid the curb problem on the south side.
Photos by John & Zach
Text by John Andrus
Photos by John & Zach
