The new sanctuary of Furnace Run Chapel is more than twice the size of the original chapel. It is under roof at this point.
Construction of the new sanctuary of Furnace Run Chapel is underway.
The building is being erected on church property at 154 Montgomery Road. It is 36 feet by 72 feet.
Jimmy Edwards, the church pastor, said the old facility will become a social hall and the new building will be their worship area.
“We wanted to have a place to do funeral dinners and other events. We have never really had a place to have snacks. The new building will give us a little bit more room and better bathroom facilities.”
The new building is being erected by Morton Buildings that has constructed over a thousand churches. Once erection is complete, the church will sub-contract the inside work locally.
Edwards gave an estimated cost of $250,000 to build and complete the facility. “It depends if the contracts can come in on budget or not.”
Edwards said the church has waited several years until municipal sewage was available. They have moved cautiously and will only move ahead as finances are available. The church hosted a vendor and craft fair last weekend, hoping to add to their building fund.
“We have been trying for the past three years to figure out how to go about it,” he said. “It was evolving as we try to do it with our budget. If we get bids in and they are more than we estimated, we will put it off until we can afford it.”
Edwards estimates the new sanctuary will seat approximately 130 parishioners. His current average attendance is around 50-70 people.
Edwards said new families are always welcomed to come and visit the church and consider making Furnace Run Chapel their home church.
Construction materials occupy space now that will become the worship area for Furnace Run Chapel. Church pastor Jimmy Edwards said the congregation is continuing construction as funds become available.