By Rev. Dr. Sunny Farley

The beautiful, historic Salem United Methodist Church in Tomball is about to get a facelift thanks to a partnership with Faith United Methodist Church in nearby Spring.

The white, wooden building is home to small but faithful African-American congregation pastored by Rev. Dr. Francis Guidry.

The church was established in 1884 and has weathered over the years. The congregation doesn’t have the resources to make repairs, so Southwest District Superintendent Elizabeth Duffin suggested the two churches work together to accomplish the much-needed renovations.

“It was truly a match made in heaven,” Guidry said. “We are small but mighty and we are not good with handiwork, but we can feed them. They have people in their church who are good at woodwork and repairs and that type of thing.”

The work crew includes a master carpenter and other skilled laborers, Faith UMC’s pastor Rev. David Horton said.

That crew visited the church a few months ago and determined they could do the job.

“We made a trip there and it was amazing to see this beautiful chapel-type space and the beautiful stained-glass windows and to be in this space that saints have been in for so long,” Horton said. “These kind of buildings are invaluable.”

Renovations will be made possible with district funds and will include the replacement of rotten wood and structural fortification.

Guidry said the true scope of the project will be determined once the work begins and the team can uncover just how much of the building needs repair. She said she has been watching home improvement shows and getting excited about the restoration.

“It’s so refreshing to have people who love God and love others and are willing to use their gifts to help others,” she said. “These are people who understand the importance of keeping the historical integrity of the building. They get it.”

Guidry and Horton said they will meet soon to determine a start date for the project.