Children have taken the lead for the past year at First Baptist Church, Piedmont, as the church focused on building for their future.
The Calhoun Baptist Association church, led by interim pastor Ed Coogler, recently dedicated a new preschool/children’s education building, which will house all the preschool and children’s ministries.
“First Baptist Church, Piedmont, is guiding children to grow up loving God,” said Jennifer Blair Foster, minister of preschool and children. “The children of FBC have been involved in the building process since the ground-breaking service in the summer of 2004.”
At the ground-breaking service, the children — complete in yellow construction hats — dug in a large sand pile to break ground for the new building.
Sixth grader Dusty Young opened the service by reading Scripture. Students Addie Jane Minton, Sara Beth Minton, Joshua Reece, Taylar Cothran and Molly Trainer prayed for the children, church and construction crew.
Several months later, the children wrote their names in a Bible that was placed inside the foundation of the building.
“Placing the Bible under the cement reminded them that Jesus is our solid foundation,” Foster said.
As the building neared completion, the children and their families wrote Scripture verses and prayers on the cement on the building’s third floor.
“Writing on the floor helped the children remember that the entire building from the foundation to the roof belongs to Jesus,” Foster added.
And after praying and waiting for more than a year, the children celebrated the completion of the new building Aug. 14.
The church’s fifth graders took the lead in the dedication service. Morgan Blackerby opened the service by reading from King Solomon’s dedication prayer in 1 Kings. Wee Praise, Preschool Praise and Kids Praise led the congregation in worship. Abby Cothran shared her testimony, and Sara Beth Minton sang a solo. First grader Ben Ivey sang a special song he wrote about God’s love.
John Thomas, Calhoun Association’s associate director of missions, brought the dedication message.
As the church family gathered around the main entrance to the new building, the children cut the red ribbons to officially open the classrooms.
Bert McCullough, a 50-year member of First, Piedmont, said the building allows the church “to reach more children” by providing “better facilities to tell them about Jesus.”
“Our church families are so blessed to have this new children’s building,” said Julie Maddox, church member and mother of four. “Parents are able to bring their children and have comfort in knowing that it is a safe place and a healthy environment for their children to learn and grow to love God.”
Foster seconded that. “Building rooms is important but building children is imperative. FBC wants every child who enters the new building to know God and to grow to be like Jesus.” (TAB)
Share with others: