More than 200 people gathered Sunday to watch the groundbreaking of First Baptist Church”s new activities building and fellowship hall at 3000 Bluecutt Road.
The 23,500-square-foot building is the first of six phases that will cost a total $20 million and take about 10 years to complete, said church business administrator Thomas Southerland.
The first phase will be finished in three to five years, he said. The church will discuss bids from construction contractors tonight at its building steering committee.
The church, which was constituted in 1832, will continue to meet at its current location in downtown Columbus until the second or third phase is finished.
Although there are “lots of reasons for moving,” Southerland said the church needed to upgrade its facilities and sanctuary, which was built in 1908.
“We need a more up-to-date worship service than what we have now,” he said.
When finished, the new facilities will exceed the current building”s 81,000 square feet, Southerland said.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.