In January, 1955, it became quite apparent that more Sunday School rooms were needed if we were to minister to the needs of the children of our community. Action was begun to build a new education unit. In June, 1955, a financial campaign was undertaken to raise funds for the construction of a building. The congregation pledged $24,381.

In 1956 the Moller Organ was rebuilt and completely electrified. This was done at a cost of about $8,000. At this same time the choir loft was enlarged and the organ placed in front of the loft instead of at the rear, behind the choir.

On April 9, 1958, a congregational meeting was held to decide whether or not to proceed with the new educational unit. The estimated cost of the building was $55,000. The congregation approved the building of the education unit. On July, 1958, the Church awarded the contracts. On August 10, 1958, the ground-breaking service took place. Mr. H. L. Jarrett, and the Pastor, Ardell G. Gould, took part in this special service. On Monday morning, August 11, 1958, the contractor moved in and construction began.

September 28 through October 1, 1958, saw the Church celebrating the 145th anniversary of the organization of the Sunday Church School.

On October 5, 1958, the Church began a financial campaign to raise $40,000. Of this amount $31,000 was for the new educational unit; $6,000 was to be used for repairs and improvements to the Church building and parsonage; $3,000 was to pay off indebtedness in existence -- of the total amount only about $17,000 was raised in cash and pledges. Nearly 60% of the Church families refused to make a pledge although all of them took envelopes and said they would support the program.

In the early spring of 1959, the Church borrowed $27,000 from the Jersey Shore State Bank, which was used, along with the money which the Church had previously collected, to cover the cost of the new building. The cost of the new building was under $51,000. On April 19, 1959, the Church School classes began using the educational unit. This was a wonderful achievement for the First Methodist Church.

In 1959 the parsonage and the Church were painted. A new front porch was installed. The garage roof was replaced. A new dining room rug, throw rugs, a new bedroom suite, lamps, drapes and curtains were purchased for the parsonage. Total amount spent for improvements was $2,208.