Cook’s United Methodist Church, located in Mt. Juliet in Wilson County Tennessee, was organized in 1819 as the Old Cooks Campground. The first small sanctuary was built in the mid 1840’s with the larger current sanctuary built in the 1890’s. Since then, the church has had many additions, such as a large Friendship Hall and a sanctuary renovation.
While newer additions included handicap accessibility as part of the design, the old sanctuary – while beautiful and maintaining its original charm – is challenging for some worshippers to enter. Heavy doors and high steps on the front and steps at both the east and west entrances required persons in a wheelchair to go in through Friendship Hall and the newer sections to get to the sanctuary. The accessibility issue prevented some folks from attending.
With the help of the Bill and Lynn McAlilly Grant for Church Accessibility, we were able to address several issues and provide direct access to the sanctuary. A new ramp eliminates the side steps and enables people with canes, crutches, or wheelchairs to enter safely. An automatic push-button door makes it easy for anyone to open the door and enter the building.
Existing members are excited about coming to church and using the ramp. We also hope the new entrance encourages persons who had been homebound due to accessibility issues to come out and try it.
Thank you, ENCORE Ministry Foundation for the Bill and Lynn McAlilly Grant that helped make our new entrance a reality and Cook’s UMC more accessible and welcoming for all who attend.
