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| On This Rock |
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Since 1987, First Baptist has been in a continual growth pattern, and committees have worked since then to upgrade, improve and enlarge existing facilities. Highlights of the past projects include: 1987-challenge '95 begun; 1992-Old annex torn down; 1993-New Fellowship/Sunday School space completed; 1996-T2000 campaign begun; 1997-Land purchased from Bobby & Rena Hunter on SH289 for relocation; 2000-On This Rock campaign begun; 2001-SH 289 land exchanged for larger, easier to build tract in The Woods on Preston; 2002-Phase 1 plans revealed; 2004-Phase 1 completed, dedication service held: July 11, 2004.
top row left to right: Old Annex build in 1919; Looking from the south on Pecan St.; old annex with new sanctuary built in 1973
bottom row left to right: annex bricked in 1975 then torn down in early 1990's; Fellowship/Sunday School space completed 1993; New facility completed 2004
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Completed Building & Future Plans
Our current facility is 21,500 sq. ft., including a multi-purpose facility that will seat 497 for worship, and 368 for fellowship meals. It also includes space for Sunday School of 350, a modern kitchen, staff office space, choir robing and warm-up area, baptismal robing area, a welcome center, and storage areas. Parking for 130 cars.
Future phases will include: Phase 2- Educational space; Phase 3-Fixed Pew Worship Center; Phase 4-Family Life Center.
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Scripture
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Psalm 127:1
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
Test me in this...and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Malachi 3:10
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Financing
We began with $400,000 cash on hand. The Stewardship and On This Rock Ministry groups met and unanimously voted to borrow $1.2 million to finance the remainder. The Deacons also met and unanimously supported the decision. There was also a special offering on Miracle Easter Sunday, labor savings of $300,000 by doing some of the work ourselves, and we sought participation from groups such as Texas Baptist Men.
Now that phase 1 is complete, how do we repay the loan? Each month a payment of $9749.14 is made to Landmark Bank. Beginning with the new budget year (Sept. 1, 2006), this monthly payment is part of the General Fund Budget. Please continue to seek the Lord's guidance as you give towards a healthy general fund to support the mission and ministry of FBC Gunter.
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