Emmanuel United Methodist Church holds their first service in their new building after the 108-year-old congregation moved from Windsor to Windsor Township.
Nearly three years ago, members of Emmanuel United Methodist carried the church's Bible, altar cross, offering
plates and Communion cup out of their long-time sanctuary.
They sold their building in downtown Windsor and moved worship services to rented space in a nearby elementary school.
On Sunday, members carried the same Bible, cross, plates and Communion cup into their new sanctuary in Windsor Township, placing them on the altar.
"The building has been built. The people have come. The Holy Spirit is present," the Rev. Harold "Butch" Snyder said as he dedicated the building to God's work.
The move-in day was one anticipated for years.
At its old site, 68 W. Main St. in Windsor, the 108-year-old congregation struggled with parking woes, building maintenance and access for the disabled. The property offered few opportunities for expansion, and membership was dropping.
Congregants finally accepted the need to move, voting in May 2006 to start anew in a growing township on a 7.5-acre site.
The final, 5,800-square-foot design was smaller than members originally hoped, but the project still cost a hefty $1 million, said member Brian Hinton.
The congregation paid for it with a mortgage and the proceeds from the $253,000 sale of its old building to another congregation, New Beginnings Bible Fellowship.
About 100 congregants, visitors and friends attended the dedication Sunday, and Snyder asked those gathered to share their joys and concerns.
"The joy of having a permanent place to worship and not having to schlep anymore," member Melody Hursh said from the choir.
"I'm having a hard time not crying," said a teary Jola Schoff, also from the choir. "It's so wonderful to be here, knowing that there's so many steps to take and a place to do them from."
Average attendance at worship is about 80 to 85, Snyder said. That's up from two years ago, when it was about 55.
Leaving the old church behind was bittersweet, said 30-year member Shaheen Trout of Windsor Township.
"Leaving was the bitter part," she said. "This is the sweet -- what we've been waiting for."
--story by MELISSA NANN BURKE
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