It's official.
The ground has been broken and concrete poured on a 7,052 square foot Family Life Center at Elm Street Baptist Church in Murphysboro.
Pouring of the concrete began Friday -- thanks largely to the cooperation of Mother Nature.
Officially, the ground was broken last December inside the church sanctuary -- not outside as planned -- because of inclement weather.
The new addition is located on west side of the current church building at 1907 Elm Street and will house a gymnasium, fellowship hall, classrooms and a kitchen with serving areas.
Construction is expected to take six to eight months, depending on weather, Jim Morgan of Morgan Commercial Structures said.
Morgan Commercial Structures is the contractor for the project. A cost estimate was not released by the church nor the contractor.
At the December groundbreaking, Pastor Charles Allen said the addition is important "to sharing the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. The construction of our family life center will open up new opportunities and avenues of ministry that will enable us to better fulfill our calling."
Elm Street Baptist Church was established in 1933 during the Great Depression. Through the years, it has undergone several renovations to make room for classrooms, worship area and Sunday School classes, etc.
Nicole Griswold, the church's director of children and youth ministries, said the new center "will be a vital tool as we work to provide new ministries for teens and children in our community."
Bill Baskin, longtime church member and deacon, said a "true church of God must take an energetic approach to the future to reach new people for Jesus Christ."
Mayor Williams applauded Elm Street for the construction of a Family Life Center, saying:
"This is a bold step you are taking, but it will be rewarding. You (the church) will be a part of the success of our city as we, as a city, go forward."
Murphysboro, Ill. —
