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Church marks opening of newly-renovated building |
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Wednesday, 19 March 2008 |
The seats were all filled Sunday morning as the Taber Evangelical Free Church held its official grand opening.
By Garrett Simmons
Taber Times
As the band played inside the old Home Hardware building, it was hard to believe the building was just an empty hardware store just over a year ago.
As senior pastor Ron Gartly told members of the congregation, it was not until Jan. 2007 that the church officially took possession of the building. The church held its first official worship service in its new church on Jan. 26, 2008.
"I'd just like to thank the volunteers who invested countless hours to make this vision a reality," said Gartly, as he stood in front of a large, wooden cross, constructed by John Laternus, one of the many people the pastor pointed out as key contributors to the project.
For his part, Gartly said he was skeptical when he first heard the old Home Hardware building was a possible site for a new church. On Oct. 16, however, a vote was held to approve the purchase of the facility, and the wheels were set in motion, as Clarence Bos headed up the construction committee.
"I certainly do respect and appreciate Clarence and others like him who can see the potential in renovating a building," said Gartly.
The decision to go ahead with renovating the old hardware store was made after many opportunities failed to materialize, according to Gartly. The pastor added that looking back, he was grateful things played out as they did.
"We should celebrate God's timing in closing other doors until this building came available."
At the ceremony, Gartly showed a series of slides that went through the progression of the new church over the past year. Slide after slide showed members of the congregation, and local tradespeople, who worked on the many different aspects of the church.
But with the church now in its new home, Gartly urged his congregation to look beyond what was created, and focus on the church's mission. He added the mission of the church does not revolve around fancy buildings, and said the new building was not an end in itself.
Gartly went on to say it is the mission of the congregation to continue to be loving, giving, worshipping believers. With that in mind, he added the new building could help to facilitate that mission. |
