Web posted
Monday, January 28, 2008
Grand opening
|
Photo by Donita Clausen
click image to enlarge
|
Church celebrates opening of sanctuary
By CHRIS ROBINETTE
Traveler Correspondent
It's been awhile since people at Central Christian Church could use their sanctuary. They have had a major renovation project going on since August.
An open house Sunday afternoon made official the completion of the project.
The chapel has been undergoing a long process of construction since August. The planning process started back in January 2007. The idea has been in the pipeline longer than that, however. Steve Chambers, the minister of Central Christian Church, called it a "dream that started several years ago."
The dream took a lot of effort from the church. Most of the church was involved, with 20 to 24 members directly involved in the construction, according to Jay Mapel, a church member who worked on the project.
The entire chapel was renovated, the church members took down most of the old chapel and put up many of the new walls and other pieces.
Don Wendt, a contractor who specializes in church restoration, came in from Greenwood, Mo. to do some of the finish work, like plastering and painting.
The entire project cost around $177,000, most of which came from contributions from the congregation, estates and memorial gifts. The children of the congregation had a hand in the project, the proceeds from their Christmas play, "1-800 Christmas," went to the project as well. According to Chambers the project used 480 pounds of plaster, 85 gallons of Kilz primer, and 50 gallons of finishing paint.
People coming to the open house were able to see the results of the project and in full as they toured the chapel; they were able to tour the entire chapel. There was also a picture display and a TV showing pictures of the chapel during construction.
Those who saw the work were impressed.
Rita Postlewhait, a visitor from another church, called the completed chapel "beautiful" and "gorgeous."
Lovie McCarty, a co-pastor from the Vine Life Family church said the project was "quite impressive," McCarty sang in the church choir when she was young.
Overall, the church members were very pleased with the results, especially now that they can return to the chapel for the first time since construction started in August. Upon seeing the project completed, Chambers said he was "excited"and that "its nice to be back in the sanctuary."
Above: Members and guests at Central Christian Church got their first look at the redone sanctuary Sunday afternoon.
|
