SPECIAL TO THE SIGNAL

After several months of praying, planning and pledges, the Bethlehem Christian Church recently broke ground for a new sanctuary that will be about 5,000 square feet. The facility will be built adjacent to the current sanctuary, almost doubling the size.

Pastor Bennie Stanford, along with other ministers of the Gospel, elders, deacons and oldest members of the congregation, led the church outside for the short ceremony.

Members marched around the new grounds while singing psalms and praises to God.

With hard hats on and shovels in hand, the ground officially was broken Sunday, July 31, with construction scheduled to begin the next day.

“I am very blessed and fortunate to be a part of this historical groundbreaking for Bethlehem Christian Church,” Stanford said. “I believe that God has spoken and that there is a genuine need for us to increase our seating as more of God’s people are coming to hear His Word.”

A year ago, the Bethlehem Christian Church family started a faith project and a mission to build a house for the Lord debt-free.

Before this year is over, they will see the fruit of their labor. The new sanctuary is scheduled to be complete by December.