Twenty years ago, First Baptist Church, Vernon, dedicated its present building to God’s service. Now the church has outgrown its current space.
In September, First, Vernon, began construction on a new educational and fellowship facility. The church body needed more classroom space and a larger fellowship hall.
The addition represents phase two of a four-phase master plan, which includes a recreational building and a larger sanctuary should need arise for those facilities. The current building, dedicated in 1981, represents the completion of phase one.
Adequate space
The current sanctuary seats approximately 400. However, current educational space accommodates only about 180. The present fellowship hall seats fewer than 100.
The 12,000-square-foot addition will provide adequate educational space, a fellowship hall seating nearly 200, a choir rehearsal room and additional storage space.
The new building will also house the church’s day-care facilities.
The building is partially financed through the “Challenge to Build” program, begun March 1999.
The program challenges members to pledge a sacrificial financial commitment for a period of three years. Commitment giving for the building will close March 2002.
First, Vernon, was established in 1876 and was located in downtown Vernon. In 1981, the church relocated to its present 10-acre site near the city limits.
The church’s pastor is Kevin Devine. Jeff Brantley is associate pastor and youth minister.
The church was expected to occupy its new building Feb. 1.
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