Dripping Springs United Methodist Church held a consecration ceremony for The Foundry, an over 15,000 sq. ft. multifunctioning youth center, on March 20 with a blessing from Bishop Jóel Martínez. The Foundry includes five multi-purpose classrooms, a worship area for 300, a food pantry, gathering space with coffee bar, shower facilities, and an outdoor meeting area. 

The two-building facility’s construction, located the southwest corner of the DSUMC property, began in May 2015. Prior to construction, the purchase of 9.5 acres was finalized June 2006 and working with contractors began in 2009. The Foundry is considered Phase 1 of the Master Plan. 

“In January 2013 we began a series of town hall meetings to talk about Phase 1 and continue the conversation among church members, as both Youth ministries we underserved, as well as much needed additional space for other ministries,” said Head Pastor Rev. Scott Bradford. “[The Foundry’s] uses are endless.”

Phase 1 was named The Foundry after the center John Wesley founded in London in 1739. 

The Capital Campaign for the project began in January 2014. They launched the three-year campaign on Palm Sunday. It turned into a $4.9 million campaign. 

The Foundry’s tagline is Youth, Mission, Community. Helping Hands Food Bank will utilize 1,500 sq. ft. of the space. Wesley Nurses will also use the facility for medical missions. A new modern 11 a.m. worship service will start on May 1.

“Dripping Springs has very little space for community activities, other than [Dripping Springs High School], so we very much see that we will easily utilize these buildings for the purpose of youth, mission, and community,” said Bradford.  “We simply give glory to God for casting a vision and taking us towards our future!”