First Baptist opens new facility to public

By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
First Baptist Church of Hartselle will observe a public open house of its recently completed fellowship hall and education addition Sunday, Aug. 26, from 2 – 4 p.m.
"This is a celebration of the blessings God has poured out on First Baptist," said Dr. Jeff Redmond, pastor. "It pleases us to open our doors and welcome in our friends and neighbors from throughout the community."
The fellowship hall has a seating capacity of 300-plus. Retractable room dividers make it possible to convert the dining space into six classrooms capable of accommodating 280 adults. A commercial grade kitchen with serving room is also provided.
On the same level are a new, enlarged library and archives and a gathering place, linking the existing building to the new facility. It features a drop-off driveway, welcome center and elevator.
Several other departments in the main church building were enlarged and renovated as a part of the expansion and will be open to public viewing. These include the choir's music suite, church offices, TV ministry room, nursery and pre-school rooms. The old fellowship hall (basement) was renovated and an outside entrance was added for youth activities.
Guests are invited to take a tour of all the new and renovated facilities. Church members will serve as tour guides and refreshments will be served.
The expansion project represents the first phase of a long-range development plan, which was approved by the church in December 2004. A successful capital stewardship campaign was conducted in early 2005 and construction began later the same year.
"As we boldly move forward in the 21st century, First Baptist stands ready to proclaim its unchanging message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ," Redmond said.