Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

While Utah County residents are still dealing with snow and cold, individuals and organizations are still celebrating the coming of spring.

To help ring in springtime, the Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ will be hosting a “Bringing Up Roses” Paint Night at 6:30 p.m. on March 3, at the historic church, located at 175 North University Ave., Provo.

The celebration is being held as part of the Provo Downtown Art Stroll and will include the opportunity to create a picture of a vase full of roses under the instruction of Chandra Adams, a local artist, and enjoy refreshments.

The cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple with registration open until March 2. The church is also celebrating its success in gathering donations to help restore the building.

In February 2021, church members and community volunteers kicked off the “Keeping the Faith in Downtown Provo” campaign to raise funds to repair, restore, renovate and expand the community cornerstone and help the church remain an open and affirming faith organization.

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

Proceeds from the paint night will go toward the church’s renovation and restoration project.

The Provo Community Church will be celebrating its “Keeping the Faith in Downtown Provo” Restoration Project Campaign 2022 successes and introducing the next phase of the campaign for 2023 during its weekly church services at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The service will also include a sermon by Pastor Alex Brown, entitled “Spiritual Cornerstone,” along with music and scriptures.

The church has been able to raise over $650,000 dollars so far to replace deteriorating roofs on both buildings, work to complete some necessary interior projects and save a historic pipe organ.

In 2023, the church restoration campaign leaders hope to raise another million dollars to preserve the exterior of the building.

“We are very grateful to the community for helping us work to repair and restore our beautiful church to its old glory,” said Dave Lewis, church moderator and campaign co-chair. “Over the next year, we hope that we can improve the exterior condition of the building and make it more accessible to our congregation, friends, and the community.”

The Provo Community Church was founded in 1891 by members from varying religious backgrounds coming together for a stronger presence in a growing Utah Valley community. The church has grown from offering single Sunday school classes to its current iteration — a community center with regular worship services.

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