Story By KEITH TAYLOR
Photo by ROBERT ELAM
The Berea Church of God celebrated its past and looked ahead to the future during a dedication service held on Sunday, April 6 at its new sanctuary on Rash Road.
Nearly four years after the previous church building on U.S. 25 North was gutted by a fire, pastor Stephen and Diana Hobbs along with several dignitaries and members of the congregation dedicated a 19,000-square foot multi-purpose building that seats 500.
The new structure is the first phase of a building project that has been in the making for more than five years.
Following the fire, the church relocated to a temporary site on Wallaceton Road for three years. The church also worshipped in two different locations for two months.
?Today marks a very special day for our church family,? pastor Hobbs said. ?Our journey has led us here today as we celebrate the first phase of our new worship campus.
?To God be the glory.?
During the dedication celebration, church members viewed a video of the history of the church, complete with pictures of previous pastors, including church founder Eliza Richardson.
Chriss Niceley, a member of the pastor?s council, presented Hobbs with a gift from the church, an all-expense paid trip to San Francisco.
Kentucky State Representative Lonnie Napier, along with Kentucky Church of God Administrative Bishop J. David Stephens also was in attendance.
Stephens was the keynote speaker in the morning worship service.
In his sermon, Stephens referred to Hebrews 11:7 and compared the church move to that of Noah when God instructed him to build the Arc.
Stephens said the arc constructed by Noah was a faith initiative and was a prophetic statement from the word of God.
?This building pleases God, because it was built on faith,? he said. ?This building is a testimony of faith and the prophetic word of God. This day is exciting and thrilling.?
Stephens said the purpose of the facility was to provide members and the community a place of ?fellowship, worship, discipleship, evangelism, a lighthouse for the lost, a hospital, a school and a community center.?
Stephens praised the work of the church leadership, led by pastor Hobbs and his family.
?I do believe in Steve and Diana Hobbs,? he said. ?They have cast a vision, and have provided leadership. They have ministered and are role models to the community. They are an inspiration to this entire state.?
They also are an inspiration to their church family.
