By Valerie Sliker, The Wagener Monthly
Saron Baptist Church celebrates 127 years this year with a new look and addition. This particular church will be very, very glad when they open that gorgeous new vestibule and “go into the house of the Lord.” The church is hoping the construction will be completed in late March.
If you’ve driven through Wagener on highway 39 recently, you have probably noticed the new vestibule and church front. Reverend Leander Jones, the current pastor, is exceptionally proud of how the vestibule came out. Keeping a unified look while adding a fellowship hall to the side of the church building was difficult to design. “We didn’t want it to look like two separate buildings,” Jones said in a recent interview. “That’s where the vestibule came in – to bring it all together. It shows togetherness and unity. Everybody is doing their part and everybody is excited.”
The intention behind Saron Baptist Church’s addition is to create a place for a level of fellowship and outreach that goes beyond one hour in the church pews each week. Pastor Jones explained, “We wanted space to provide outreach to the community. We were aware that once you get grants and funding for programs, you need to have a facility. There are a lot of issues in the Wagener community – education, economics, parenting, family budgeting – and we wanted to provide a building to put some Christian-based programs in place using some of the funds that are available. Our outreach is to the community. It doesn’t matter who it is or what color they are. I want a mixed congregation, that’s what I desire. These programs will serve all kinds of families.” Pastor Jones embraces diversity.
When the construction is finished and the programs begin, the church will notify the public through the town marquee, letters of invitation, notices with the Cedar Branch Association, the Wagener Monthly, and the town Facebook and Twitter accounts. The church is maintaining regular services during the construction. Sunday school is at 9:45, Sunday morning service is at 11:00 and Wednesday night Bible study is held at 7:00. You are invited to attend anytime.
Read more in the February 25 issue of the Wagener Monthly. Pick up a free copy at the post office or any local business around town.