FBC Foley rebuilds, grows since fire of 2003

First Baptist Church, Foley, in Baldwin Baptist Association dedicated its new Christian Life Center Sept. 17.
   
The dedication service served as the crowning moment on the three years of rebuilding and growth that followed the destruction of the church’s Family Life Center by an electrical fire in August 2003.
   
The entire experience has been “a God thing,” said Pastor Billy Nale.
   
“It has been a time of growth for our church not only numerically but, more importantly, spiritually.”
   
Worship attendance grew from 364 to 500 a week and the members worked hard to keep many of the ministries housed in the Family Life Center going during the building period, Nale noted.
   
He said the growth has continued since the dedication service, which featured special music by the children’s choir and recognition of the building committee and architects. “We’ve seen an influx of new people coming to our facilities,” Nale said, noting that many are families with children.
   
He said this is encouraging to the church because it placed special emphasis on developing Preschool Park and Crosstown for older children in the new building. 
   
The 36,000-square-foot building also includes classroom space for adults, a kitchen, a multipurpose conference room and a fellowship hall with a stage and lights. (TAB)