Sixty-three members of Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church gathered on Saturday, March 27, for their historic groundbreaking service. Everyone gathered on a portion of the 4-acre property to listen to the scriptures, offer prayers of thanksgiving to God and consecrate the land for the construction of their new church home. Several adults were chosen to officially break the ground and then the children of Spirit of Peace joined in with their own trowels.
Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church received this property in 2008 as a generous gift from its neighbors at Bryan Land and Timber Co. The groundbreaking service took place as Spirit of Peace completes the second year of its Raising Spirit Together capital campaign.
Bryan Bank and Trust is providing additional financing for constructing the church building. It will be located in south Bryan County along Hwy. 144 near mile marker 16. Spirit of Peace is pleased to have Neil Dawson as its architect and Pioneer Construction as its builders.
Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church began its ministry in Richmond Hill in 2001, and its membership spans communities in four counties. The congregation currently worships each Sunday at 10 a.m. in the Bryan Chapel of the Carter Funeral Home on Ford Avenue. Pastor Gary Soop has served the congregation since August 2005, and he can be reached at 727-5608.