First Congregational Church of Milton “optimistic” about constructing youth center

In an email to its congregation, leaders of First Congregational Church of Milton announced that they have been considering building a Youth Center in the lower level of the Centre School building.

The email announced that “after completing an architectural study of the space, [FCC Milton has] learned that it is well-suited for a youth center. Furthermore, a fundraising feasibility study indicated optimism that the “congregation is ready to successfully take on this project… and that now is “the time is right to move forward with this vision.”

“Our vision is of a space that will house our own growing youth programs, as well as a space we can offer as a resource to the wider community to meet the need for an after-school youth center. Several community organizations including The Milton Public Library, The Milton Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, and Milton Youth Advocates have seen our plans and share our enthusiasm.”

Seating area idea – rendering of possible FCC Youth Center

Church member Betsy Crowley said that during one of the brainstorming sessions, members discussed is the ability for everything to be modular “so we can transform the space based on needs… nothing is “fixed” so if a group wants to use the large space for a group game/activity, things can move around. We also discussed a stage area for performances. There is also a quiet area, a kitchen area (we know kids like to eat) and places for kids to sit and gather.”

Pastor John Allen added: “At First Congregational Church we do not see our building and our resources as something that exists only for the benefit of our members. We believe that God has entrusted us with all that we have so that we can be a resource to our community and our world. In that spirit, we are excited that we have something to offer to meet this need in our community, and we look forward to bringing this vision to life.”

The church plans to vote as a congregation at their annual meeting on February 3, 2019, on whether or not to begin a capital campaign to move forward with the project.