Every generation of Franklin Methodists has faced its moment–the moment when the future of the church depended on the faith, courage, and generosity of its people. As Rev. Robert Durkee once wrote, “Every generation is the heir to those who have gone on before them. And so too, every generation in some way determins the lives of those who come after them.”
This is our moment. Over the past several years, Franklin UMC has stepped boldly into a once-in-a-century season of restoration and renewal. Guided by our vision to be “a community where all can experience meaningful relationship with God, grow in Christ, and reach out in love to others; a community where all can love and be loved; a community where you are accepted as you are,” we have committed ourselves to restoring and renovating our historic facility so it can better serve the community for generations to come.
Multiple phases of this long-term plan are actively underway.
Phase II: Sanctuary Renovation & Fire Protection Upgrades
Phase II addresses the heart of our worship and community life–the sanctuary–and the safety systems that protect everyone who enters our building.
This phase is nearing completion. We have repaired the sanctuary ceiling and restored the hardwood floor, and replaced worn carpet in key areas. We are now:
- Updating the fire alarm system
- Installing a full-building sprinkler system
- Increasing the church’s endowment to support long-term sustainability
These improvements not only improve the interior beauty of the church, but also make sure it is safer for all who gather.
Exterior Restoration: Honoring 150 Years of History
In July 2025, the Town of Franklin awarded Franklin UMC a Community Preservation Fund Grant to begin exterior restoration of our 1873 Victorian Gothic facility–the oldest church building to still be used by its original congregation in the Town of Franklin.
This work includes:
- Restoring original trim and millwork
- Repainting the building in historically accurate colors
- Reconstruction the long-lost cupola and gilded cross
- Restoring roof cresting visible in early photographs
This project protects the building’s architectural significance and ensures that the facility continues to stand with dignity in the heart of downtown Franklin.
Phase III: Expansion, Accessibility, and Modern Education Space
Construction for Phase III began in January 2026 and is already transforming the building in extraordinary ways.
This phase includes:
- A new ground-level entryway
- A lift providing ADA access to both main and lower levels
- A new main office and reconfigured pastor’s study
- Two new multi-use main-level rooms
- A fully renovated lower-level education space that is fully ADA compliant and meets standards set by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
- New HVAC systems in the lower-level and new addition, providing dehumidification and air-conditioning.
Funded primarily through our long-term partnership with Aprende Spanish Immersion, Phase III is creating a modern, accessible, welcoming space for education, community, and ministry.
Kitchen Renovation: The Community Kitchen & Community Meal
Thanks to a generous $75,000 grant from the Greater Milford Community Health Network (CHNA-6), Franklin UMC is transforming its outdated 1930s kitchen into a fully licensed, community-centered shared kitchen.
This renovation will:
- Expand access to nutritious meals
- Support local nonprofits
- Empower small food businesses
- Strengthen community collaboration
- Provide a hub of connection, service, and shared meals
With new commercial appliances, stainless steal workspaces, updated plumbing and electrical, and a fire-suppression system, the Community Kitchen @FranklinUMC will dramatically increase our capacity to feed our neighbors through the launch of a new Community Meal program.
Defining Our Generation
We are living through one of the most transformative periods in the history of Franklin UMC. These projects–Phase II, Exterior Restoration, Phase III, and the Kitchen Renovation–represent our commitment to worship, accessibility, community service, and long-term sustainability.
But we cannot do this alone.
Every gift, every pledge, every act of generosity strengthens our ability to serve God and neighbor. Your contribution helps ensure that future generations will inherit a church that is safe, beautiful, accessible, and ready to meet the needs of Franklin and beyond.
You’re invited to give toward these ongoing projects. You can make a gift now by going to https://onrealm.org/FranklinUMC/give/CapitalCampaign. Together, we are defining our generation with courage, love, and faith.
To learn more about each phase and project, check out the “Summary Posters” below: