Atlas Twp. – Church and barn-raisings aren’t necessarily outdated. They just take a bit longer these days.
Recently completed construction of the First Baptist Church of Goodrich began more than three years ago. Thanks to members pitching in, the 6,000-square-foot facility will cost a fraction of its worth.
‘Davison State Bank gave us a loan that covered our materials,? said church secretary Charlotte Sims. ‘Most of the labor has been donated’a lot of labor.?
Since 1973, the church has been recognized for its round brown building perched in a wildlife-populated 10-acre setting.
Eventually the dome facility became an unsafe place to meet.
In August 2001, members broke ground’behind the dome building’for a new building. Last October, members began meeting at Genesee Christian School in Burton when the dome was torn down, revealing the new white church.
Last Sunday, members gathered there in a service led by the Rev. William Poma, an interim pastor.
?(Sunday’s service) was just indescribable,? said Sims. ‘It’s so much different in a church auditorium than in a school auditorium.?
The multi-level building, topped with a tall steeple, is reminiscent of the traditional white countryside church, updated with a generous staircase and space’funds permitting’for a future elevator to the walk-out basement.
Nearly every room glows with sunlight streaming in from an abundance of windows.
In addition to the sanctuary, baptismal, and tapestried choir loft, the main floor features men’s and women’s restrooms with a baby-changing area, and a pastor’s office.
Upstairs members are building a ‘prophet’s chamber? apartment’complete with kitchen, bedroom, living area, closet, and full bath’which will house visiting pastors, missionaries, and special speakers. A sound room overlooking the sanctuary is also being built in the upper level.
Sunday school isn’t yet held in the downstairs classrooms, where volunteers have framed partitions that are waiting for drywall. Eventually, the lower level will house approximately 10 rooms, including a large teen room, nursery, youth pastor’s office, a fellowship area, kitchen, and restrooms.
While the men of the church pitched in, other members provided meals.
‘We would have been in sooner if the women hadn’t done such a good job of bringing in brownies and cake and food,? said volunteer Herman Penley, laughing.
The Rev. Philip Tharp, who died in February after resigning as church pastor in November 2004, had also recruited volunteers for the building project.
Electrical services were provided by Orville Theaker of Wolverine, Mich., roofing by Craig Whitney of west Michigan, and heating and cooling installation by Paul Frembling, formerly of Oakland County.
With church membership numbering around 30, the facility was a leap of faith, says Sims.
‘We’re so thankful God has supplied our needs,? she said. ‘It all was from God. We couldn’t have done it on our own.?
A ‘warm welcome? is extended to the community, says Sims.
The First Baptist Church of Goodrich is located at 6116 S. State Road, north of Perry Road in Atlas Township.
Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. Sundays, with worship service at 11 a.m. Sundays. Evening services are held at 6 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Call (810) 636-2204.