The Great Fellowship Hall Renovation 2021

As we enter week eight of the renovation of our c. 1876 Fellowship Hall, I reflect on our freedom to undertake what we are doing. Many wars, some small and others unbelievably large, have occurred since this building came into existence. Today, May 31, 2021, we honor all the men and women of our military that have given their lives, without hesitation, to ensure that our country remains free. I cannot even imagine their bravery in the face of such horrific battles. God bless them all. And, for all the military serving today, we cannot forget that they are ‘willing’ to make the same sacrifice. We should pray for them every day.

This renovation is no easy task, especially for the youth deficient. But we are making good progress. We have one more major beam to replace (and the most challenging). After that, we replace about 12 floor joists. We will be locking all of this together with steel brackets fashioned by Brother Eric. He just delivered them, and they are first-rate craftsmanship.  

And then, after all the years of being bent over, we will be bringing this building to its upright, plumb, and proud position. I cannot wait. All of this may seem to be taking forever, but we are diligent in our effort to assure that this building is on a solid foundation, Matthew 7:24-27. We cannot and will not take shortcuts that will jeopardize its integrity.

I again want to recognize Ms Betty Kay for engraving hundreds of stones that are being used in the foundation. Each one is inscribed with a bible verse, a song title or is a dedication to our members, past and present. We read each one as they are set in place; they will be there for another 145 years.

The dedication and celebration will be about the first week in October, and a celebration it will be!

Thanks for the donations to the Fellowship Hall Renovation Fund. Anyone can donate by mail or through our online giving portal at lovecbc.org.

Charles Crider