The sanctuary gets an update to fulfill Greater Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church’s newest mission.
The church was established in 1872. Its most recent renovation occurred in 1977. The new updates will allow for improvements in the sanctuary’s audio/visual system and provide a more modern setting.
“There’s an old hymn ‘A Charge to Keep I Have’ and the second verse starts off with, ‘To serve this present age, my calling to fulfill,’” said Senior Pastor Reginald R. Edwards Sr. “That’s what we’re trying to do ¬– is to fulfill the calling of this present age and to bring those from the outside in. We want to reach our young adults by creating an atmosphere of becoming more technologically savvy.”
Edwards has led the congregation for nearly four years. He often streams live videos via social media to update the congregation on events and to spread the Gospel message.
The sanctuary and the Robert Denefield Educational Building recently received new roofs. Construction inside the sanctuary began with most of the wood paneling removed from the walls. It will be replaced with drywall to brighten the interior. An arched wall leading up to the pulpit was also torn down to enlarge the sanctuary and expand the choir area. A baptismal will be raised to provide better viewing.
The existing pews will receive a fresh coat of white high gloss acrylic paint and new purple upholstery. The carpeting will also change from red to purple while updates to the ceiling will include new recessed lighting, fans and millwork for tray ceilings. Additional plans include improving insulation and opening the foyer to welcome guests. A new side door will be added to the sanctuary to access a corridor that connects to the educational building. ADA accessibility will also be updated.
Edwards appreciates the support he’s received from the congregation.
“It helps to have some of the seasoned members like Deacon Ministry Chairman Thomas A. Blue and Willie B. Garvin, who are supporting what we’re doing,” the pastor said.
The construction project will be completed as congregants raise funds for each phase.
“All of this will look totally different,” Edwards said. “And if anybody would like to donate or help us in this effort, we appreciate the effort.”
An earlier goal was to unite the buildings and center the existing steeple atop the structure, but those plans changed to the less expensive option of installing the side door from the sanctuary and incorporating the corridor, according to Edwards.
Jacksonville contractor Tony Nesmith leads the project.
“He’s working with us to ensure we keep the costs down,” the pastor said. “He’s working with us through the process. It’s a blessing to have a contractor that will work with us.”
Blue has attended the church since the 1950s. He looks forward to seeing the church family enjoy services in the new surroundings.
“Once our sanctuary is renovated, we don’t want to stop progress,” the 83-year-old said. “We want to keep moving forward. Just as before, when people come to our church, we want them to feel the presence of God.”
Renovation Committee Member Maxine Simmons dropped by Friday morning to see the latest developments.
“I love it,” she said.
Larry Blue, Monique Means, Tonya Pennamon, Thomas A. Blue, Committee Chairwoman Gwenette Bailey and the pastor comprise the committee.
While the renovation is underway, congregants will meet in the educational building for Sunday School at 9 a.m. Worship services begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday Bible study and Youth Hour begin at 6:30 p.m. each week.