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Austintown church unveils building addition
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor.Minister Mike Smith (right) gave scissors to every congregation member, saying “The whole church has made this place a success- everyone will cut the ribbon.” Here, Sarah Pritchard (left), Phil Spalding, and Mike Smith make their cuts.
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The Restored quartet sang hymns and gospel songs while the congregation enjoyed good food and conversation.
By SARAH FOOR
There were plenty of blessings to go around at Four Mile Run Christian Church last Sunday as the congregation cut the ribbon to celebrate the $700,000 addition to their fellowship.
After welcoming the congregation to attend the first morning mass in their new foyer, Senior Minister Mike Smith gathered his members for a speech and collective ribbon cutting.
“With a generous donation from Calvin and Ethel Russell, we broke ground on this building one year ago today, and we can say with pride that we are currently debt-free on this project,” Smith explained.
Members of the congregation led the group in three generations of prayer and then a giant ribbon was unspooled in a large circle around the room.
“It takes the whole church to make this space successful — we are all cutting the ribbon.”
After a few hundred snips, the crowd divided to eat, listen to the Restored singers, and the children headed outside for face painting, a dunk tank, and a bouncy castle.
“I’m so thankful for this celebration, and that this new area will help us better reach out to the community. We have room to welcome so many more souls,” said congregation member Stacee Mills.