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Volunteers and workers gather outside at Ebbert Memorial United Methodist Church.

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Ebbert Memorial United Methodist Church at 532 C St. in Springfield on Jan. 11 broke ground for a new elevator project that will allow Americans with Disabilities Act-approved access to all major building areas.

The church has been fundraising for three years to pay for the five-stop elevator. The group has $30,000 left to raise for the $458,000 project.

EMMA ROUTLEY/THE CHRONICLE

The elevator location from the inside.

Bob Schutte, owner of Northern Lights Tree Farm in Pleasant Hill, led the event with a brief history of the church’s building. He said their church’s accomplishments are due to the congregation’s “can-do” spirit.  

Schutte, the church pastor June Fothergill, and building designer Richard Zink each took a golden shovel and dug into the ground outside of the elevator’s future installation.

EMMA ROUTLEY/THE CHRONICLE

From tossing the first shovel of dirt and posing with their shovels are, from right: Bob Schutte, June Fothergill and Richard Zink.

The elevator is anticipated to be finished by early May.

Residents can donate to “Elevator for Ebbert” UMC at gofundme.com.