Local church proud of debt-free sanctuary renovations

By Staff
Jonathan Willis FCT Staff Writer
As Bro. Jerome Sherrill looked over the newly renovated facilities at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, he said he was proud of what his congregation has done.
Situated in rural Franklin County, the Spruce Pine church has been able to complete and pay off more than $200,000 worth of renovations to the church in less than three years.
Members of Mt. Hebron began a reconstruction project in 2002 that included the renovation of the sanctuary, education building, fellowship building and parking lot. The new stained glass windows in the sanctuary alone cost $18,000, while costs of the parking area totaled more than $60,000.
In addition to new pews and sound equipment in the sanctuary, they also added 10 new rows of seating, which brings the total capacity of the building to almost 300. Mt. Hebron averages 140 in Sunday School and 180-200 in worship.
The projects, which were completed last fall, included renovations to the youth department, which is something that Sherrill believes is important to the growth of the church.
The emphasis placed on reaching the youth of the area, however, is only part of the outreach of the Mt. Hebron congregation, which generously gives 25 percent of its offerings to missions.
Plans for the future call for renovations to the educational building, which will complete a series of projects that have upgraded the church's facilities and has resulted in their becoming debt free, allowing them to do more through the caring ministry which meets the needs of members who are sick or ailing.
"We have something for everyone," Sherrill said.