For months the members of First Baptist Church, Pelham, had been anticipating “2-20-2000,” a day the congregation would hold the first worship service in its new sanctuary.
When the cool, clear day arrived, members and visitors packed the pews, doubling the church’s average attendance.
On recent Sundays the number of worshipers ranged between 700 ad 800, but an estimated 1,500 persons attended the Feb. 20 service. Folding chairs were brought in and used in all available spots. Still, more than 100 people had to be seated in an overflow area and participate via closed circuit television.
“We had a great service,” said Pastor Mike Shaw, who has served at the church since April 1979.
Along with the excitement of the new sanctuary, First, Pelham, welcomed 20 new members to its congregation.
Shaw’s wife, Mary, said, “It’s been unbelievable. We are so excited.”
The new sanctuary is dominated by a large stained-glass window depicting Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Shaw noted the window is a memorial to members of the Lee family, who formerly owned the 22-acre property and whose ancestors were pioneers in the Pelham area.
In his first sermon in the new sanctuary, Shaw called on members facing difficulties to imagine themselves as the lamb portrayed in the arms of Jesus and to find comfort there.
The new $6.1 million facility is located on Pelham Parkway (U.S. Highway 31) about a mile north of the church’s longtime location in downtown Pelham. The new 47,000-sq.-ft. structure houses not only the sanctuary but also 27 classrooms.
Sunday School classes did not meet Feb. 20, and an open house was held from 2-4 p.m., drawing visitors from other churches in Shelby Association and the greater Birmingham area.
Larry Smith, chairman of the church’s building committee, was one of several members giving tours of the new facility. Smith said the sanctuary was built to hold approximately 1,050 persons, including 115 in the choir area.
Smith notes space for an additional 300 worshipers can be provided later when four areas that currently hold Sunday School classes are included in the expanded sanctuary.
The new building will be used for all Sunday School classes except those involving youth and one adult class. Youth will ride a van from the new facility to classes at the former location.
Until further construction provides additional space, church offices and weekday activities will remain at the church’s older location.
It is anticipated the next portion of the building to be constructed will be a children’s wing extending to the north. A fellowship hall seating 800-900 people is planned for the area east of the sanctuary.
Share with others: