CENTERBURG — Although it took longer than expected, Centerburg Interchurch formally celebrated its new location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday.
“We have worked hard to make this happen. With all the help from the state and passing permits, we’re finally able to have this day,” Interchurch Social Services Board Chair Merrell Griffith said.
“We just about had another plan we were not altogether happy with, but it was the best we thought we could do.”
In April 2023, the plan was to demolish and rebuild the building on North Clayton Street. The goal was to complete construction in time for the agency’s 40th anniversary in 2024.
However, just as ISS was ready to enact that plan, the building at 56 Johnsville Road became available.
“The most we were going to be able to do in the old space was about 3,600 to 3,800 square feet. This is 5,500 square feet. So we’re so blessed to have this larger space for the community,” Griffith said.
Centerburg ISS manager Sheryl O’Neil said the new location’s best features are its size, available space, and ample parking.
“It’s going to be able to adequately hold more people at one time who can shop. And we can put more stuff out to shop at one time,” she explained.
“The wait was worth it. It was a little stressful, but we got here.”
Sheryl O’neil, manager of centerburg interchurch
Storage was an ongoing struggle at the North Clayton Street location. Now, there is plenty of space for storage and extra freezer space.
“And then the pantry is a lot bigger, so they can go back to walking through again and picking their own food,” O’Neil said.
A look behind the scenes at Centerburg Interchurch
“This wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Interchurch board deciding to invest in Centerburg,” ISS Executive Director Carolyn Fergus said.
“God blessed us with this opportunity, and the board approved it.”
However, she said the staff and volunteers were the most important people in getting the project done.
“We were way behind schedule and what we planned, but we are open. These ladies have worked tirelessly for weeks and months to get us ready,” Fergus said, acknowledging the staff and volunteers.
Renovations included painting, replacing old carpet with tile, and adding an interior wall to divide the thrift shop from the pantry.
State electric permits delayed the opening of the new facility. The wall required commercial electric to run the pantry freezers.
“Then we found out we had to put in a fire monitoring system, so we had an expense we weren’t planning,” Fergus said. “We got the fire permit, and then they did ADA compliance and another electrical inspection. So it was really with the state inspectors.
“The town has been wonderful, and we were able to keep the Twice Treasured name, the history, and the thought that’s always been a part of the design and build for the center,” she added.
Interchurch also has locations in Mount Vernon, Danville, and Fredericktown.
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