There was no place to sit during the First Baptist Church weekend fundraiser intended to bring a new and improved multi-use church space to the congregation.
The fundraiser, held Saturday, Feb. 6 brought comedian and musician Ben Crane to entertain folks that evening. Pastor Paul Spate said the group is working towards the project, which is still a year or two away from starting. “What’s fun is we have all these people from the community,” said Spate of the community support.
“We’re getting excited.”
Right now planners are looking at finalizing building plans and Spate says there is a strong group of individuals helping out. The plan is to tear down the north side portion of the building and on the same basic footprint build the new church space with additional rooms for children’s programs. The goal is to ensure this building can be used at any time.
Developing and adding new programs will be easier for the church once the building has been completed. Spate says many community groups use the church and he sees this new plan as helping them get there. “If you ever come past the church on any given week day, this church is being used constantly. We have so many groups from the community and in the church.”
The entire project cost is estimated at $4 million and organizers hope to begin the project once they have $1.5 million. Approximately half of the initial funds have been raised so far. Spate praised Tina Teerling for organizing the event. She said many groups came to support the fundraiser with one table being booked for members of the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse.
Full fundraising dollars earned from the fundraiser were not available at press time.