Gethsemane Baptist Church at 1656 Copeland Road held a groundbreaking recently for a new addition that will be built on the present site.

J. Harold Faulk, chairman of the Building Project Committee, said this addition will be a $400,000 building that will consist of a multi-purpose room and four classrooms. He also said that Johnnie Pope, owner of Reliable Builder’s Inc. and Contractor, would be the company completing the new building, and financing will be done through SunTrust Bank.

During the ceremony the official board along with the Rev. Scates Jr., pastor, assembled on the site, each holding a shovel with a red-and-white ribbon attached.

Councilman Curtis Milteer was an invited guest and gave greetings. Deacon Theodore Copeland, chairman of the Official Board, spoke about the occasion. Following the speech, Scates said a prayer, and on completion the officials and pastor used their shovels to break ground.

After the ceremony Faulk went to the home of the oldest member of the church, Eley Demiel, 107, to present her with a shovel similar to the one used in the groundbreaking. A photograph was then taken with Faulk while she was holding the shovel. She has witnessed many growth projects, and is looking forward to seeing this project completed as well.

Faulk said the pastor and Official Board of Gethsemane Baptist offer their heartfelt thanks to members and friends of the church for their prayerful support through the planing of this project.

&uot;Truly this is the beginning of new step in the ministry of making disciples for Jesus Christ,&uot; said Faulk.