Oldest Church Given a New Lease on Life

Costa Mesa’s oldest church, the 60-year-old First United Methodist Church, is getting a face lift.

The extensive renovation, which began two years ago, is expected to be completed in about a year , restoring the church to Spanish-style splendor. The entire cost of the project, about $120,000, has been financed by the church’s 450 parishioners, who have also donated their labor.

Randy Schneider, the church’s artistic director and plant manager, designed new stained-glass windows, which are removable, and restored others. Rain gutters have been removed, a new roof built and ornamental moldings added. On Tuesday, the cross atop the 75-foot bell tower was installed. The church sits near the corner of Newport Boulevard and 19th Street in Costa Mesa.