Church to break ground on new building Sunday

A new era begins Sunday for members of First Christian Church when the congregation breaks ground for a new church building.

Public ceremonies begin at 9:30 a.m. under a big tent at the site of the future church at 2106 S. Main St. in South Jacksonville.

The groundbreaking ceremony will be preceded by a brief worship service, music by the churchs praise band and remarks by South Jacksonville President Gordon Jumper, Pastor J. Cook, project coordinator Ryan Turner and womens ministry co-leader Nancy Ator.

Initial construction plans are for a 42,500-square-foot, one-level building, which will have a multi-purpose room that serves both as a sanctuary and a recreational area, a large foyer with a coffee room and a Big Toy room similar to ones at McDonalds restaurants.

This is Phase I of our building project, Turner said. Future plans include construction of a dedicated sanctuary on the west side and additional classrooms on the east side of the building.

Construction will begin this summer and church officials hope that the project is completed by next summer.

On June 3, the congregation affirmed by 90 percent to relocate to 2106 S. Main St., Cook said. The new church is designed to accommodate all ages, but our plans for the facility really are geared toward young parents with children. The facility is designed for everyday use. We own 20 acres and there is a strong possibility of the church offering a sports ministry for youths and adults in the future.

The church had planned to construct a new building at 2106 S. Main St., but those plans were pushed forward after fire and smoke heavily damaged the church on West Vandalia Road on Nov. 29, 2010.

We at First Christian Church are at a pivotal moment in our history where we will redefine who we are as a church in this community, Cook said.

Currently, the church holds worship services at 10:45 a.m. Sunday at Grace United Methodist Church in Jacksonville.

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Church to break ground on new building Sunday