Endicott man plans to bring new life to First United Methodist Church

ENDICOTT, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – An Endicott man is looking to breathe new life into a vacant building that played a central role in the history of the village.

David Dzuba closed on a deal last week to purchase the former First United Methodist Church at the corner of McKinley Avenue and Monroe Street.

Built in 1919, the church counted both Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company founder George F Johnson and IBM founder Thomas J Watson as parishioners.

In fact, Watson was known to hold IBM staff meetings inside the church which was just a block away from the IBM campus.

Dzuba says he has experience redeveloping historic buildings in our area. He envisions turning the sanctuary into a performing arts venue.

Among his other possible ideas are a lounger at the rear of the sanctuary and a cafe or restaurant on the first floor of the classroom wing. On the second floor, he envisions artist or museum space.

In particular, Dzuba says he'd love to house the IBM collection that was removed from the Endicott History and Heritage Center on Washington Avenue earlier this year.

Dzuba says he's committed to preserving the legacy of the building.

"We can't lose this. We've really got to take advantage of it and save it for the next generation. I'm going to do my part and hopefully I'm convinced that this will work out really well," said Dzuba.

Dzuba says he already has a tenant lined up for the five classrooms in the basement. He says a local group is looking to start a daycare center there.

Dzuba says the altar of the sanctuary will need to be altered to accommodate performances, but he plans to preserve or repurpose all of the historic architectural features of the church.

He's looking for tenants who will compliment his vision for the 38,000 square foot building.

Inquiries can be sent to