JACKSONVILLE — The United Methodist Church of Jacksonville has changed little since it was built and first used by Machias Bay area worshipers. All that will change this year, however, with the construction of a 24-by-44-foot addition that will be accessible to handicapped people.

The Rev. Randall Scheri of Machias, who serves the church as its pastor, presided over formal groundbreaking ceremonies Sunday, along with the Rev. Edward Costain of Bangor. Costain is pastor of the Machias Full Gospel Church, which shares use of the United Methodist Church in Jacksonville.

Also participating in the brief ceremony were lay leaders Hollis Bryant and Katherine Bryant of Jacksonville, and Building Committee member Edward Foss of Machias.

“The addition will be built by members of the church using volunteer labor,” Rev. Scheri explained. Ground work will be completed by Millard Cole of Jacksonville and material provided from H.F. Pinkham Inc. of Machias and G.E. Goding & Son Inc. of East Machias. The new wing will extend from the east side of the church.

The church belfry is being restored by William Ackley of Cutler. The belfry was removed and the tower capped this winter after Ackley discovered a 6-foot section connecting the belfry with the lower tower had rotted away, leaving the belfry “afloat” and unsecured.

A full congregation was on hand to witness the groundbreaking, held before the morning worship service. Costain closed the ceremony with a prayer of thanks and hope for the addition.