Photo by Amy Cherry First United Methodist Pastor Dwayne Burfield reviews architectural plans for the church’s new complex, soon to be located on South Michael Road.

By Amy Cherry

Staff Writer

On Monday members of the First United Methodist Church of St. Marys gathered together during a ground dedication which marks the future site of the congregation’s new church located at 871 S. Michael Rd., 1/4 of a mile past Queen of the World Church on the right side of the road.

The new church complex encompasses 12.3 acres and will include a 26,000 square foot church, expanded sanctuary and parking area, three separate youth areas, outdoor stage area and restrooms, a playground, an outdoor meditation area, walking path, soccer/softball field, sand volleyball court and much more.

According to Pastor Dwayne Burfield the church purchased the land in May 2008 through parishioner contributions. The complex was designed by Felty Heinlen Architects and Planners of Mansfield, Ohio.

“We’re outgrowing this building and parking is at a premium. Because of the dream that we have for the church, the present facility will not enable us to do the ministry we want to do within the community,” Burfield said. “The congregation came up with the vision and, as a pastor, all I did was kept them moving in the right direction. We’ve got some great people leading the way.”

A specific construction start date has not been set, however Burfield believes the entire complex could be complete within two to three years depending on the economy.

The parish approved the purchase of the land and architectural design. A special conference is planned for September or October to pursue avenues of raising funds for the building and developing the land.

“This is a dream that we have and we really don’t know how long it’s going to take to fulfill it but we are going to believe God will help us finish the dream,” Burfield said.

The new sanctuary will seat 350, with capability to expand to 450 for holiday services.

After entering the church parishioners can visit the welcome center which will display a variety of information about the church and a kiosk/cafe area offering coffee and pastries.

The church’s design features three separate youth sections including an area for birth to 3-years old, a second area for children ranging in age from four years of age up to fifth grade and a youth area which will encompass the 40’x80’ second floor.

The children’s “Promiseland” area for will seat 100 or can be utilized as a play area for the nursery/daycare program the church plans to offer to the community.

Burfield noted that all children will be registered and scanned in once parents drop them off in order to enhance their security efforts.

Also planned for the first floor area is a special area for nursing mothers with an attached bathroom, staff offices, a kitchen, conference room and choir loft.

Among the many features of the new complex Burfield said parishioners will be provided with special key cards allowing them 24-hour access to the prayer chapel which will have a separate side entrance.

“I call it one-stop shopping. Church should be more than a place to go to worship on Sunday mornings. This is all going to be open to the community,” Burfield said.

Future plans for a fellowship hall including an outdoor patio area and outdoor areas featuring a fire ring and picnic area. Burfield added the land includes a wetlands area which they plan to utilize as a mediation garden and nature preserve with a possible bird sanctuary.

Included in the project are plans for new ministries such as family night activities, a grief fellowship, summer programs, tutoring program in the church’s library, ladies night and couples night. The church also hopes to offer affordable daycare and possible senior daycare to the community as well.

“We are hoping to create a few jobs with the expansion,” Burfield said referring to possible daycare employees.

“I want to acknowledge all the parishioners for their support on the project over the past few years,” Burfield said.