Recently we shared the story of the decommissioning of the Dutch Valley Baptist Church. Here is similar story with a different ending.
Shediac Baptist Church held a decommissioning service on September 20th. The church was first commissioned in 1853. The present building was the second one on the site and has served the Shediac area for exactly 100 years (1909-2009).
The decommissioning service was a full house – standing room only. Special guests were Dr. John Weiler, Regional Minister, and the Symonds Quartet. The building was eulogized by the grandson of Ezra Taylor, Don Mollins (early in the 20th century, Ezra moved from Salisbury Baptist Church to Shediac and discovered that Shediac was found to be without a Baptist church). Current pastor, Rev. Brock Symonds, and Dr. John Weiler led the congregation in a decommissioning litany. Rev. Symonds shares that “the evening was filled with mixed emotions as the building housed many fond memories, but we all celebrate this next great step in our ministry timeline!”
That “next great step” is the construction of a new church building along with a new name – Grace Harbour Community Church. On November 9th, they celebrated as they broke ground. They hope to be in the new ministry centre in August 2010. Until then, they will be worshiping at Trinity United Church’s facilities, 379 Main Street.
Rev. Brock Symonds tells the story this way: “After literally years of blood, sweat and prayers, we are extremely excited to have finally broken ground on our new ministry and ministry centre. We anticipate the site work to be completed before the new year but the bulk of the construction to begin in early spring. While the construction crews build the centre during the next 10 months, we intend to build up the fellowship in anticipation of the relaunch of our ministry.” Please pray for the church and the community as they anxiously wait for the completion of the building, and pray for the growth of the ministry. To follow their progress, check out their website – www.hope4shediac.com.
