Done!

[July 31] In keeping with other phases of the Opal Baptist Church construction project, during tonight's Dedication Ceremony, Bryan Jackson pulled out the "DONE!" sign to signal completion of the church's construction. During the day today, the church was transformed into a place of beauty as not only was all painting completed and the carpeting completed but curtains, artwork and wall hangings were hung, furniture positioned, the pulpit and communion table place and a large cross placed over the baptistery. Work today also included installing the front doors and sanctuary doors and constructing a small deck and stairs for the side door.

The result was a church building the is warm, comfortable and inviting. On first viewing it often brought tears. It is the result of a lot of faith and hard work. Congratulations to Wayne Smith, Bryan Jackson and everyone who worked on it, donated to it or who has been covering it with prayer.

The Dedication Ceremony featured worship songs, testimony by workers, local citizens, area pastors, and Wyoming Baptist Association leaders. It concluded with the laying on of hands and prayer for Pastor Spencer and Annie Preece.

In a moving moment, Bryan Jackson presented the Preece's with a plaque he had made. The frame was crafted from a 2x4" board which had Scripture writing on it done in Richard Hayes barn in Mills River, NC. The scripture was Galatians 6:9-10, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Within the frame was a sheet with Psalm 91 which had frequently been a source of encouragement to Bryan and Spencer over the last year, the paper napkin on which Bryan had first sketched the floor plan of the church and the first rough drawing that he had sent Spencer.

Following the dedication, the crowd moved to Opal's park for watermelon, cake and ice cream... and a lot of goodbyes until next year.