On April 7, New Providence Baptist Church (NPBC), 2411 Beaver Valley Pike, New Providence, held a groundbreaking for a new fellowship hall. After the church's Sunday service, many congregants joined members of the building committee in kicking off the construction project and celebrating the achievement, which was made possible by two years of fundraising initiatives.

The project began after members of NPBC realized the church's children had no facility to call their own, and there was no place where the church could hold youth programs. The congregation was also growing quickly, and the church wanted to acquire a large commercial kitchen to serve its members as well as the surrounding community. The new building, which will be constructed on the land where the original church was torn down, will serve as a dedicated space for various youth events and free community meals for anyone in the Southern End who may not be able to afford a hot dinner.

"The fellowship hall is definitely something the Southern End needs," said Meek Rineer, a member of NPBC's building and fundraising committees. "It's not only for the church; this will be a place for the entire community, and it will allow us to reach out to those who are less fortunate."

Over the last two years, members of NPBC's fundraising committee have hosted events such as benefit auctions, barbecues and back-to-school activities to raise the money required to establish the fellowship hall. The project has also been made possible by individual donations by community members, and many children in the congregation have played an active role in helping with the fundraisers. "Everybody is super excited to see the project is coming to fruition," Rineer said. "Even the kids are super excited; they know this space is going to be something they can run around in and invite their friends to. Involving them in fundraisers lets them have a part in it and make it feel their own, which I think is important." Youngsters have assisted with the project by serving as auction runners and hot dog vendors during the fundraisers. "They've earned it for sure," added Rineer.

Over the next two weeks, NPBC's builder will level the ground and pour concrete to serve as the new structure's foundation. The next fundraiser for the building, a church yard sale, will take place on Saturday, May 4, at NPBC. Interested vendors may rent a space for a set price. There is no deadline to acquire a space, and vendors must bring their own tables.

To become a vendor for the yard sale, email Rineer at meek856@gmail.com or call the church office at 717-786-2321.