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Cadiz UMC Breaks Ground for Multi-purpose Building

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Written: 10/2/2009 11:09:33 AM

On a beautiful September Sunday afternoon, the congregation of Cadiz United Methodist Church (Madisonville District), along with friends and guests from Trigg County and across Kentucky, gathered for a service of “Groundbreaking and New Beginnings” as dirt was officially turned for Phase I of the new church facilities soon to be built at the corner of U.S. Highway 68 and Lakota Drive in Cadiz. Construction on the $3,280,000 project was to begin in the next few days.

Serving as construction manager for the project is Myler, Inc., “The Church Building People” out of Crawfordsville, IN. Myler, Inc. has designed and built over 1000 churches in the last 30 years.

Phase I of this project calls for a multi-purpose facility of  some 18,500 square feet to be constructed on  the over 15 acres owned by the church. Additional phases to follow will include a Family Life facility, additional administrative and classroom space, and a sanctuary.

Cadiz UMC pastor, Reverend Steve Spitzer, explained the “multi-purpose” nature of the   new facility. “We will have a large area specially designed to seat 450 in worship in very comfortable, pew-like chairs. However, that same area can easily be used t

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o seat 250-300 at a fellowship meal or converted, in a matter of minutes, to a middle school-sized basketball floor. It is a concept being utilized in new church buildings across the country and works extremely well.”

Reverend Spitzer experienced this kind of facility when he served the Trinity UMC in Paducah a few years ago. “It is incredible how a building like this works! The beauty of it is that it is easily adjusted to get premium use of available space. When it is set up for worship, it will be as nice and worshipful as anyone’s sanctuary, with a wonderful sound system, media system and lighting. Likewise, when it is set up for a fellowship or recreation, the building works extremely well. Eventually we will build an actual sanctuary, but until then, I expect this building will easily fill our needs.”

The facility will also include a full commercial kitchen capable of feeding 500, and ample administrative and classroom space for the congregation. Plans also include restrooms with shower facilities and the ability for the building to operate off generator power. Cadiz UMC Building Committee Chairperson, Sarah Rogers, explains, “After last year’s ice storm, our building committee went back and revamped our plans to include the showers and generator capabilities. If needed, our church building can be used as a community shelter and/or disaster-relief facility.”

Those attending the groundbreaking service heard Dr. Jay Smith, Madisonville District Superintendent, challenge the congregation to remember that this new facility belongs to God. “It’s not your building, it’s not my building, it’s God’s building,” Smith preached. “Be ready to open your arms, and your hearts, to the people God will bring to His building.” Also in attendance was Reverend Becki Curry, Assistant to Bishop Lindsey Davis. Local officials in attendance were Mr. Frankie Phillips, Cadiz City Council; Circuit Judge W.A. “Woody” Woodall; District Judge Jamus Redd; and State Representative Melvin Henley. 

“Our church building has long operated as a sort of community center for Cadiz and Trigg County,” noted Rev. Spitzer. “A number of community groups use our facility. We plan to continue that tradition in our new facility and look forward to serving the people of this area in the name of Christ.”

Myler, Inc. has indicated that construction on this first phase of the project should be completed in about 11 months.
 

This news story is related to:
Cadiz church
Madisonville district