There was great excitement at Pine Bluffs Baptist Church Sunday, as the body of believers there gathered not just to honor fathers, but to move forward in the building of a new education wing.
This will be the third building for the church itself and the fourth the church has had constructed. Each project was built on the same block on Pine Street in Pine Bluffs. The original building, dedicated in August of 1949 still sits on the corner of 5th and Pine. The newest church facility was added onto the north end of the original building in 1962 and houses the current sanctuary. At the corner of 4th and Pine sits the 1974 building project — the parsonage.
During Sunday’s groundbreaking, Pastor Dan DeBruyn said over the past two decades several building committees had been formed to investigate the possibility of expanding again. He said this was the first time a clear message came that this is the right time to build.
Tim Wilkins serves as the chairman of the committee for the Mission:Build project.
"Our committee has been meeting going on just about three years," he said. That committee looked at the condition of the building and whether to build on site or change locations.
"We got together a list of options to take to the church," Wilkins said. "It was a pretty thorough process making sure that this location is where we need to be."
They also wanted to address the need for improved restroom facilities, a new sanctuary, and space for the youth.
"This is the direction we feel God is leading," he added.
Melinda Gibson also serves on the committee. She said the body of believers agreed to enter into Phase 1 of the three phase project.
"We have asked the body what was important as far as the needs and ministries we have," she explained. "As we went along the planning, we kept updating the body."
The committee came up with concepts, with which Wilkins, on the computer. created the first drawings. The committee tweaked the drawings, then presented them to the congregation. Gibson said a vote of the membership unanimously approved the plans for the phased project.
Phase 1 entails an addition to the north which will include the church offices, an updated nursery, restrooms, classrooms, a chapel, and a youth room above the chapel.
"We designed what we want it to do, what we need it to do," Wilkins said. "It’s been fun to dream. We have always had to share space, with something being set up and then tearing it down for another group. The thought of not having to share space is pretty exciting."
"The youth program is a huge part of the church," he continued. "It is a vital ministry and a big part of why we tried to come up with room so they can have a room of their own."
Fund-raising began in February for the new wing. With seed money donated years ago from estates, a goal was set for April 15. With the right amount, the church would proceed with the entire building now. Gibson said while the goal was not met, the committee and the church members felt there was enough — along with promised sweat equity — to begin construction this summer. Dennis Korneychuk, a member of PBBC and a project manager with Hard Hats For Christ — will be this project’s manager. Under his watchful eye, volunteers and any needed contractors hired will work to level the ground, create footers and the foundation and pour the floor for the building. The goal is to begin the actual structure in the spring.
"Many in the congregation are skilled," Gibson said. "It will take longer, but in the long run cost less. The body is pretty excited about this."
Wilkins said there is a checklist of items they think can be done in house — the membership includes electricians, plumbers and a finish carpenter.
"We will probably hire out the foundation and boiler installation, but will help with the prep work ," he said.
Along with the support of church members, PBBC also has the support of the town.
"The town was very supportive at council when we went to get our permits," Wilkins said.
Councilmen Alan Curtis and Bill Cushing attended Sunday’s festivities. Cushing took a moment to say the town was pleased more building was going on in town, that it is a benefit to all.
And indeed that is what the congregation at PBBC intends. Wilkins said part of the reason for the project is to "be able to really serve the community,"
"The community center is big, but it doesn’t provide a sacred setting," Wilkins said.
In the mean time, those who would like to see the project from the construction of the first building through to the plans for the the last phase of the current project can go to the churches Web site www.pbbc.pinebluffsbaptist.org and click on Mission:Build. Historic photos along with the plans for all three phases are available.
