POCATELLO — A nearly 100-year-old church in Pocatello is getting a facelift, but officials say the historic building that’s become a cherished fixture in the community will still look the same when the renovations are completed. 

The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, located at 518 N. Fifth Ave., will turn 100 years old next year, and Father Constantine Zozos said there are some structural issues that need to be addressed. Still, he’s amazed by the original construction of the building and wants to keep things pretty much the same. 

“(Everything will be) constructed with the same design used 99 years ago and the materials will look the same,” Zozos said, adding that he hopes the renovations will protect the church, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, for another 100 years.  

Butler Builders in Pocatello is overseeing the work, he said. They’re rebuilding the dome and bell tower on the church, redoing the roof and wiring, and refurbishing the chandelier. They’re also painting and re-carpeting as well as fixing the stained glass windows, Zozos said, adding that they’ve uncovered two windows that were previously hidden. 

Zozos said they will also be adding some lights to the dome and bell tower.

He hopes their efforts will protect the well-built church that’s lasted for so many years, he said. 

“This is one of the oldest buildings in Pocatello that still exists and is being used for the reason it was built,” Zozos said, adding that it’s also one of the oldest churches of its kind still in use in the country. 

Donations from members of the congregation and those who have supported the Greek Festival fundraiser over the years have made the renovations possible, Zozos said. 

“We appreciate the support of the community,” he said. 

The church will hold another Greek Festival this year from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 13. The public event takes place outside on the church grounds, and there is no admission cost.  

“We encourage our wonderful friends to attend and be part of the festivities,” Zozos said, adding that they will have a variety of Greek pastries and foods for sell during the event. 

And attendees can also listen to traditional music and watch ethnic dances. 

“It feels like you’re in a Greek village,” Zozos said. “We want everyone to have a good time.”

The Greek Festival typically takes place earlier in the year, but Zozos said they postponed the event due to the renovations on the exterior of the building. None of the work should be visible when the festival takes place next month, he said.

“I was assured by the contractor that everything will be down,” he said. 

The church renovations, which started about a month ago, will likely take another couple of months to complete. But Zozos hopes their efforts will keep the church, which services Southeast Idaho and western Wyoming, standing strong for another century.

“We want it to continue to be the Orthodox jewel of Southeast Idaho and continue to meet the needs of people of faith and people seeking to find God,” he said. 

The church is still holding services during the renovation process.