God has a new house in Oxford and how appropriate it will open on Father’s Day.
Christ the King Church’s new 18,427-square-foot Family Life Center is complete. The first service inside it will take place Sunday, June 17 at 10:30 a.m.
‘I think everyone’s excited,? said Senior Pastor Bob Holt, who’s celebrating his 20th year with the church on W. Drahner Road. ‘The anticipation level among the congregation is high.?
Construction of the $3.8 million multipurpose facility began in May 2006, but the church has been saving up to build it since 1998.
‘It’s really neat to watch something go from a thought or dream to reality,? Holt said. ‘The reality’s a lot better than the model.?
The main part of the new building is a nearly 7,300-square-foot room, capable of holding approximately 900 people, that will function as a sanctuary for weekly services
When it’s not being used for worship, the great room easily transforms into a 6,080-square-foot gymnasium ? complete with regulation high school basketball court ? for sports and youth activities for both the church and community.
It can also be used for wedding receptions and banquets.
A 2,400-square-foot stage equipped with professional lighting and sound systems, controlled from a booth, will not only be utilized for worship services, but for the church’s numerous musical and theatrical productions.
Holt noted the new lighting and sound system alone cost $150,000. ‘We want to bring God’s message to people, but we want to do it with excellence,? he said.
People in today’s society expect quality, Holt explained, and if the sound is poor or the speaker on stage shrouded in the shadow, the audience notices and evaluates that. ‘If it’s shabby, you won’t go back,? he said.
A projection system complete with two large screens on the left and right sides of the stage is designed to improve the quality of multimedia presentations made during services.
Visitors are greeted by a spacious foyer area, accented by a mixture of stone and wood, complete with a fire place surrounded by rich leather furniture.
‘We’re very happy with the quality,? Holt said. ‘It turned out nice.?
The facility also features a large kitchen capable of serving hundreds of hungry and thirsty worshippers.
Holt had nothing but praise for the facility’s builder, Frank Rewold & Son Inc., of Rochester. ‘I can’t say enough good things,? the pastor said. ‘The guy did a great job.?
A large stone facade and cedar shakes enable the massive building to blend in with its rural surroundings.
‘We wanted to compliment the environment,? he said. ‘We have a beautiful piece of property.?
For every tree that was cut down to build the center, a replacement was planted, according to Holt.
‘We didn’t want to cut down any more trees than we had to,? he said.
Originally, the project’s estimated cost was about $3.2 million, but the cost of equipping and furnishing the facility and upgrading certain building materials bumped the total up another $600,000.
Fortunately, the church had saved about $3.1 million in contributions.
The rest of the money is being borrowed. ‘We hope to pay that back in three years,? the pastor said.
Holt noted the church already has commitments for enough future donations to cover the loan.
‘The people here are very committed, generous people to make this happen,? he said. ‘Economically things are tough, so for people to give, it’s a sacrifice.?
But Holt noted the church never asks people to give more they can afford.
‘We always stress equal sacrifice not equal giving,? he explained. ‘Everybody can’t give the same. But if somebody gives $5 a week, then God bless them, that’s wonderful.?
Holt said the project ‘was definitely a group effort? and the church made it a priority to involve the congregation every step of the way like when it hosted a ground-breaking ceremony in May 2006 to which everyone brought their own shovel.
Before the tile flooring was laid in the center’s foyer, church members and families were invited to write their names and favorite Bible verses on the cement base, according to Holt.
A time capsule containing photos, church bulletins and ‘anything that marks this era? will be buried beneath a tile in front of the fire place in the foyer.
Although it’s opening Sunday, Holt said a formal dedication service won’t take place until September 16.
‘We thought we’d live in it for a few months ? get used to it,? he said.