About Us

Renovations

Building For the Future - $1.9 million dollar first phase well underway

Construction is well underway for a $1.9 million dollar, 4200 square-foot expansion to our building. This is our first major expansion since 1956 and is needed to provide better service to the congregation and visitors. The three-story addition will enable us to expand the fellowship hall by 40 percent, add bathroom facilities, a new music hall, and a new state of the art kitchen. Also part of the project is a new elevator, covered canopies and improved handicap ramps which will enhance access to our facilities.

The project is the first step in a three-phase plan to enlarge the church for future growth. This is a project that has been in the planning stage for a number of years. With more than 150 new members joining the congregation since Rev. Dr. Olin McBride came to Starkville three years ago, and with the trend projected to continue, it was time to put plans into action.

The current building was erected in 1924 in the classical style of the Parthenon in Athens. The expansion will produce a back entrance very similar to the current front entrance with its stately Greek revival columns. A new traffic pattern will also provide access from Highway 82.

The congregation responded very positively to the plans and to the campaign to raise money. The project is fully funded. Charles Weatherly and Ernie George, Co-chairmen of the “Building for the Future” Capital Campaign Committee, lead a dedicated group of volunteers who worked together in a drive that lasted only two months. Charlie Weatherly said, “The response to this capital campaign by the congregation was simply amazing. Fully funding the project is much more than the committee expected. I believe God must have something special in mind for our church and our congregation seems ready for the task.”

On Sunday afternoon August 21, 2005 the congregation of First Presbyterian Church gathered to turn over the first shovel of dirt. The construction bid was awarded to Oswalt & Son, Inc. of Starkville. Construction is expected to take a year with the completion date set for August 2006. Gary Shafer of Shafer & Associates is serving as architect on the project.

Rev. McBride said, "This addition to our present facility will give us the space and flexibility we need to provide the highest caliber of ministry and care to each of our members and friends.”