Phase 2 - Exterior
Let's Bring You Up to Speed
Here's a recap of what we have done so far.
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Engineers have examined the structure, reporting that it is in sound shape.
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We have a new digital sign created for us by the Prynt Shop.
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Our gutters have been completely rebuilt and restored, preventing water from seeping into the walls.
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Our Mason, Octavio Rodriguez, has repaired and repointed all the mortar joints in the marble walls and filled in the no longer used basement windows with matching marble.
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The soil around the building has been sloped away from the structure to prevent water from seeping into the basement.
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Our Painter, Mike Flores, repainted the entire exterior woodwork of the church.
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All the trees in the backyard have been professionally trimmed.
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We have rebuilt the north wall of the old Scout Hut, now known as the “Grub and Grace Place" as well as upgraded the electrical system so it can now serve the community for those experiencing food insecurity.
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We have repaired and upgraded our playground in the back yard.
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We have had professionally measured and electronically drawn existing blueprints of the building so we will have an historical record and can better plan our projects.
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We have completed the process of getting new tempered glass covers for our priceless stained glass windows.
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We are getting started on the Basement Kitchen and Infastructure Work.
How You Can Get Involved
Where Are We Now?
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First Methodist Church San Saba
Heading Into Phase 3 of Restoration Renovation
Have you noticed how “Bright” the windows look at First Methodist Church San Saba? Here is the latest update on our Restoration and Renovation Project. We have completed Phase 1, the Cleanout; and Phase 2, the Exterior. This includes having the stained-glass windows cleaned, repaired, and covers installed. By the way, there are still opportunities to sponsor one of our windows; you can do this by contacting Julie at julieaedgerton@gmail.com. Your sponsorship can be personal, anonymous, or in honor or memory of someone special to you. During Phase 2, we also repaired the gutter system and remediated previously flooded walls, repointed and cleaned the marble walls, and replaced deteriorated basement window coverings with marble.
Founded in 1856, the church has been a cornerstone of San Saba and remains one of the community’s most significant historic landmarks. The ground was broken for the new marble stone church we have today on Christmas Eve 1913. The cornerstone was laid in March 1914, parishioners began worshipping in the basement in 1917, and the sanctuary was completed in 1921. This Restoration Renovation will not change the original structure physically, but simply restore and repair our building.
This project focuses on restoring, rather than altering, the building’s original architectural features. After more than 125 years of use, the building requires essential repairs to preserve its historic fabric and ensure continued public use. Our goal is to complete the full Restoration Renovation between late 2027 and mid 2028. This is doable considering all we have accomplished in the last 13-14 months. To date, we have raised approximately 30% of our total project goal just over $1,000,000.00.
We anticipate covering the cost through donations, fundraising efforts and actively pursuing grants.
We are now preparing for Phase 3, the Basement Restoration Renovation, which we anticipate completing by early 2027. This phase includes critical infrastructure upgrades for HVAC zoning improvements, minisplit installation, electrical improvements to bring the system up to code, ceiling restoration with historically appropriate panels, flooring, lighting and refinishing the original woodwork and doors. The kitchen, youth room, Grub Sacks room, and storage areas will also receive essential renovation for safety, accessibility, and functionality.
Phase 4, the Upper Levels, will include hardwood floor restoration, ceiling and wall repairs, lighting and audiovisual improvements, as well as refinishing the original woodwork. In the sanctuary, we will restore the historic clamshell organ chamber; adding 236 square feet of usable space for the arts, musical, and community performances, returning the building to its early role as “The Meeting House,” a place for school and community events.
As a congregation and part of this community we look forward to helping preserve this significant piece of San Saba history, “The Meeting Place,” and to expand its use as a cultural and community resource for cultural heritage and the arts.
These windows were provided to honor families here in San Saba. If you are one of these families or know of anyone that has a connection to the windows, please let us know.
This project is costly, but we know the preservation of these windows is priceless. The old plexiglass coverings are deteriorating and don't provide the protection we need anymore.
Here's How It Breaks Down:
We have 43 exterior stained glass windows of varying sizes. We have engaged in a contract with Heritage Stained Glass Restoration out of Waco.
They have measured all the windows and will provide the following services:
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Clean and weatherproof all areas of the exterior stained glass windows using a proprietary glazing
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Make any necessary repairs to the wood window frames to facilitate the installation of new aluminum protective covering frames
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Touch up all window frames using two coats of Sherwin Williams exterior paints to match the new paint already done
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Fabricate new vented aluminum storm covering frames
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Install frames over all stained glass windows
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Install ¼” clear tempered glass and seal with polyurethane caulk
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Paint and aluminum frames will be white
The total cost will be $126,400.00 which breaks down to $111.50/SF.
The goal is to have this project completed by the spring as funding becomes available.
Funding Update As Of April 1, 2026
The Plan Moving Forward
Where We Go From Here
The primary Restoration and Renovation effort will begin in ernest after the new year, when the interior comprehensive plan is completed. ​
Basement
There will not be any major changes to the layout as we are striving to keep it as originally designed. Cost estimates will be provided to keep the project going.
The initial thoughts are to update the kitchen, make a smaller island, add doors, create a pantry and space for the refrigerator, then update the finishes.
​Our HVAC system needs a bit of overhaul to be more efficient. The main systems will remain in the basement but possibly rerouted to be a more efficient zoned system. In the smaller offices and classrooms we are researching mini-split systems that are connected to the several outside units, yet can control each space individually as needed.
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We are also looking at updating and possibly raising or removing part of the downstairs ceiling if the building infrastructure allows. The doors will be refinished and the walls smoothed and painted to give a more modern look. The flooring will be updated as well as the lighting and bathrooms.
Main Level
One of the thought is to remove the wall at the front of the Sanctuary that hides the organ pipes. Since we no longer need the pipes, they will be removed as well, and the platform will be extended back to the original acoustic shell that surrounds it. This would provide a larger area, about double the size, for choir or band performances and greatly improve the sound projection.
Most of our walls that were not painted previously and the dome ceiling need refinishing and painting, as does all the wonderful woodwork throughout.
Other thoughts include adding restrooms on the main level.
Upper Level
Along with the main level, the upstairs will need painting, new or refinished flooring, lighting and the addition of the mini-splits discussed earlier.
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If possible we are thinking of removing all the carpet and restoring the hardwood floors.
All this depends on funding efforts, so please consider where you can help.
A Restoration and Renovation Fund has been set up to help finish this project.​
If you have any questions about our plans or would like to help in any way, please reach out, or you may contact Pastor Judy or any of our Trustees directly: Jacqueline Carlson, Rick Swarts, Roland Hawkins, Julie Edgerton, Ronnie Schultze, and Sam Murray.