History of PCUMC’s Thrift Shop by Bonnie Quirin, Church Historian
October 2021
October 1983 was the grand opening of the PCUMC Thrift Shop. The original location was in a house owned by the local Blabons family and purchased by the church. Because of the massive repairs required, that building was demolished. In 1990 a new building housing the Thrift Shop and Christian Education rooms was constructed in the current location
There have always been groups of women at the church who raised funds, sewed, cooked, etc. to help the church and community. They continued doing this through 1980. Then in 1983, a Missions Group/Committee was formed. Its vision was to open a shop with low-cost clothing and household items that would benefit the community. The Missions Committee continues to oversee the Thrift Shop.
Early on, proceeds were used to pay for the mortgage on the house purchased from the Blabons. As time went on, proceeds were used to cover costs at the church, the closing in of the parsonage carport, purchasing Bibles for high school graduates and VBS attendees, etc. Around 2007, the Statement of the Missions Committee/Thrift Shop branched out to include support for local, national, and international charities, as well as special causes like UMCOR Disaster Relief, prevention of malaria fund raisers, etc. The mission continues to this day.
The Thrift Shop participates in the yearly Fall Festival and other local events. Once there was even a well-received Fashion Show in Thurber Hall! Over the years, modifications have been made to the Thrift Shop to accommodate the ever-growing donations.
The Thrift Shop is a gathering place for the locals and a benefit to many who shop for bargains in our ever-changing inventory of clothing, housewares, jewelry, decorative items, etc. The Thrift Shop is also widely known outside the Patagonia area and complimentary articles have been written about it over the years.
Stop by, say hi, and find a bargain. Check for Thrift Shop hours on our website at patagoniaumc.org. See you soon!