Nazarene Church dedicates sanctuary

Photo by BOB MUNCIE

GREENCASTLE -- For 30 years, the parishioners at the Greencastle Church of the Nazarene have been worshipping in a multi-purpose room meant to be a gymnasium.

That is all about to change.

On May 30, the church broke ground on a new sanctuary at a special ceremony. They will be dedicating the addition with another ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 14. The church is located at 580 S. CR 100E (Roundbarn Rd.).

Pastor Bob Muncie said construction has gone well, with the church having already obtained clearance to occupy the building.

"It's going really smoothly. We're down to crunch time. We got the approval to occupy it about two hours ago (Friday afternoon)," Muncie said.

In the last year, the church has seen the addition of an entryway, a drive-under porch and the new sanctuary. Money for the projects came from a combination of the church's sale of 18 rare stamps for $301,000 and a donation from the estate of the Vernon and Lillian Abbott.

"That was quite a miracle," Muncie said of the funding for the projects.

The dedication festivities will begin with regular worship services at 10:30 a.m. Garry Pate, the church's district superintendent will preach during the morning service.

This will be followed by a noon meal open to all.

The dedication will be at 1 p.m. and will feature Pastor Roy Shuck, who moved the church to its current location 30 years ago. Shuck currently resides in Florida.

Muncie added that anyone who has something to say at the dedication may feel free to do so.