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Despite record rainfall amounts this year, New Providence Presbyterian Church in Maryville has pressed on with its building project that when complete, will allow this congregation to expand, improve and explore.

Visible to all who pass by on Broadway is the 14,000-square foot multi-purpose addition that will include a fellowship hall that will seat 500 comfortably, classrooms for the youth, shower facilities, meeting room/dining room and also a kitchen. The two-story structure is joined to the present building by a connector that will tie to the sanctuary level.

On Sunday, many in the congregation will get their first glance inside the new building when both morning services will be held there. Construction isn't yet complete, but New Providence's pastor, the Rev. Dr. Emily Anderson and others with the project, are ready to unveil the progress made and issue a challenge.

"It is still a work in progress," said John Clark, chairman of the building campaign. "There are bare cinder blocks, bare studs, a cement floor and no windows. We will have a few doors in place and plastic over the windows. It will be brisk."

The services will be an opportunity, said Lee Franks, a member of the capital campaign team, to hear presentations on what ministries will now be housed in this new space.

The New Providence congregation is being asked to make a three-year financial commitment that kicks off Sunday. The offering will be taken up in hard hats.

Workers have been busy getting the building cleaned up and ready for its first visitors. Chairs have been brought over from Westminster Hall, and portable heaters will provide comfort. Anderson said she can't wait for her congregation to see what's on the horizon.

"When you walk in there it kind of takes your breath away," she said. "It is amazing that just three years ago, we were talking that we need to do this."

When Sunday morning arrives, Anderson and the others hope this first look at the new addition will help the congregation see, feel, smell, and hear how their vision has become real. And what else lies ahead at New Providence can be part of the next chapter waiting to be written.

"We are going to continue to uncover opportunities," Anderson said.