Info added: Church dedicates building designed to serve many aspects of its mission and members' needs.
Following just over a year of construction, the congregation of dedicated a new, multi-purpose ministry building of nearly 12,000 square feet "to the glory of God and the benefit of the community" in a ceremony held May 20.
The new Youth and Family Ministries building is on the church campus located at the corner of Valley Road and King George Road in Basking Ridge. The congregation first worshiped on the site in 1852.
In the sanctuary prior to the dedication, the senior pastor, Dr. Robert Cavin, introduced the church’s longest-term members and its newest members, according to information from the church. These were the first people to enter the new building after a ribbon cutting.
Construction on the new building officially began on April 4, 2011, according to the church website.
"The facility has been designed to provide critical space for the programs and activities that serve a growing number of youth, families, and other adults in the church community," the church announced.
The 11,585-square-foot building includes multipurpose rooms, classrooms, conference rooms, and an open lounge and café space. The entire lower level will be dedicated to junior and senior high students, according to the church.
The Youth and Family Ministries building was designed by Minno and Wasko Architects, Lambertville; landscape architect was B. W. Bosenberg and Co., Inc. from Far Hills; and the builder was David Visbeen Construction Company, Inc. from Ridgewood.
In his sermon, Pastor Cavin emphasized that the church is made of people, who are the dwelling place of God, said an announcement from the church.
"The new building is a tool, not an end in itself," he said. “When you look at this building, think of it as a tool to serve the community and reach people with the truth of Jesus Christ.”
After the service, with a prayer offered on the front steps, the ribbon was cut by Mark Melillo, a congregant who contributed significant time and effort to making the new building a reality.
The new building has a spacious lobby, a kitchen, a large and airy activities room, meeting rooms and education space, and an elevator for handicapped accessibility, the announcement said.
A Bible verse is inscribed over the door to the Great Room: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain,” Psalm 127:1.
During the festivities, the congregation enjoyed the company not only of long-time members, but also of retired pastor Peter Pendell and his wife Elona, who both played crucial roles during the years when the church, under his leadership, sought out the best way to grow.
Newer staff was also on hand to celebrate the occasion. Youth pastor Bob Erbig said of the new building, “It will be a great place for people of all ages but specifically for kids to connect and grow, to bring their friends, to find fellowship and deeper community.”
The new building will be used for many things, Pastor Cavin said.
The entire basement is dedicated to the church's teen ministry for middle and high school students. Additional space includes a café and eating area and a great room, and three classrooms on the third floor, he said.
The facility also will be used for adult Sunday Schools, seminars, speaking events, and a wide-variety of ministry events, the senior pastor said. The facility also may be used by persons and community organizations serving an important community service function, whose values and operating style are consistent with Millington Baptist Church's beliefs and practices, he said.
The church itself has a congregation of approximately 400 members and regular attendees, he said.
Following the ribbon cutting, congregants spoke with enthusiasm as they ate sandwiches in the activities room. “It’s beautiful what God has brought us to in the next steps of our journey as a body in Christ,” said Bob Hess. “Isn’t it amazing that God has been with us on this journey every step of the way? Isn’t it neat?”
“It’s well-made, tasteful, and hopefully it will bless the community,” said Ruth Keeble.
“I am thankful for the privilege to work on the new building,” said Elona Pendell, who, with Mark Melillo’s wife Ruth, chose the colors and fixtures for the new building. “I had a good time, a lot of fun.”
Open house will be held in late summer or fall
The community will be invited to an open house in late summer or fall.
The history of building at Millington Baptist reflects the area’s growth. The doors to the original church building, which no longer is in existence, were opened in September 1852, according to the church. The cost of the building was recorded as $2,518.76, with the final payment being made in June 1855.
The annex was dedicated in March 1955, the annex was dedicated. In June 1961, the "L" of the annex was dedicated. The first service in the current church building was held on December 23, 1973, according to information from the church.
The church had initially proposed a new building on property on Mine Brook Road, but failed to obtain approval for a plan presented before the in 2005, according to reports published at the time, and Planning Board minutes.
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