First Baptist Church of Blackshear (FBC) held a special groundbreaking ceremony following their first Sunday service August 10.
Calling the event and the construction soon to follow “Fulfilling the Vision”, the Reverend Dr. Justin Gambrell opened the event with a prayer. Eddie Bennett read a brief history of First Baptist from its earliest days in Blackshear to the present. Mayor Keith Brooks delivered remarks about the importance of the church to the community and the great things he foresaw in its future. Two closing prayers followed, one led by Hank Wheeler and the other by Roy Gilleon.
FBC’s “Fulfill the Vision” project encompasses a variety of improvements and expansions to various parts of the church, most notably the welcome center and Sunday school areas.
Having outgrown the current capacity, the children’s area will be increased but also made more safe and secure. Other classrooms will expand adult Sunday school classes. Handicapped access will also be facilitated with a new ramp.
Parking issues will also be addressed. The small white house that formerly housed Lighthouse Ministries has been removed from the rear corner of the FBC parking lot. The services and counseling formerly held there have been moved into the church itself.
