Freedom Church holds groundbreaking ceremony for new church building
After church services on Sunday, June 8, members of Freedom Church's leadership team dig shovels into the ground to signify the official start of construction of the 7,200 square foot building. Pictured, from left, is David Murphy, Pastor Cody Freeman and executive pastor Sid Smith.
Construction of Freedom Church’s new building has officially begun following a ground-breaking ceremony held Sunday, June 8 on their property on Highway 181 north of Gainesville.
“We’re really believing this is going to be a place where a lot of people come to know Jesus,” Pastor Cody Freeman said.
Freedom Church is currently meeting on the south side of the Gainesville square in the space owned by Rocky Sullivan, next door to Bumper to Bumper, and children’s church is held a few buildings up from there next to the Ozark Wifi office.
Prior to holding services on the square, the church met at The Center. “The folks at The Center have helped us so much - opening their doors to us for a minimal amount of rent - just enough to cover their bare expenses, and we appreciate them so much,” said executive pastor Sid Smith. “To be able to walk in there and use the building was a great leg-up for us. We owe them a lot.”
The savings was such that, at the end of their first year, the church had saved enough money, which was matched by Home Mission of the Ozarks, a group formed within the General Baptist organization, to buy the land where the church will sit. It’s a level piece of land with a beautiful view, has city water and electric already hooked up. “We feel really blessed that God has blessed our efforts,” Smith said.
Church plans for the 7,200 square foot building include a sanctuary that will seat around 200 people, sound room, nursery, several classrooms and a kitchen. Another dream is an outdoor space behind the church to utilize that beautiful view in nice weather.
At the ground-breaking ceremony, Pastor Cody Freeman talked about what the church’s leadership team is praying the church will be to the community.
“This isn’t just a gathering place for us on Sunday mornings,” Freeman said. “This is going to be a place where real life happens. What we see for the future of this church is that it can be a hub for our community and a place where our kids can feel safe; a place where we can share in the joys and the struggles and the big and small moments of life; and a place where we can be a beacon of light for those around us.”
Church services are 10 a.m. on Sunday.