Building to the Glory of God Sanctuary Doors Open
Beams constructed. Walls erected. Floors tiled. Windows adorned. A new edifice of worship built to the Glory of God was celebrated with a Service of Dedication. And on Sunday, October 11, 2009 the Bethel family, friends, village officials and Wappingers Falls clergy convoked in the old church. Hymns and praise of worship commenced followed by blessing of sacraments: Altar Bible, Altar, Communion Table, Pulpit Bible, Candles,and Flags.
After the blessing, attendees filed out of the church and circled around the new church building. Next, Pastor Hunt led the people in a Prayer of Consecration, followed by the unveiling of the cornerstone, and then the ribbon cutting ceremony. Once the ribbon was cut and doors opened Pastor Hunt,church officials and the people entered the "Built to the Glory of God" sanctuary and were greeted by the Founders.
Blessed and welcomed, Rev. Bryon Williams of Baptist Temple Church in Newburgh said Sunday was a glorious day for Bethel and God. "God is honored to have a house built and He continually builds us a house for his message of Christ to ring from this pulpit."
Rev. John Simon, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, reminded the Bethel Family to look beyond themselves and to Jesus just as we look to the sanctuary.
And Rev. William F. Dalrymple, pastor of Community Baptist Church in Wappingers Falls continued with words of joy reminding the congregation to trust God on this journey. He reflected on the tragic fire of 2009 and noted that today was the point to cross over the Red Sea; yet the work was not over.
Afterward the BMBC choir sang as Linda Molina and Barbara Davis gave praise through dance illustrating that this is God's house.
In the building of God's house, Bob Crenshaw, chair of the Building Committee offered a hearty appreciation to all who helped with the construction of the edifice from the outside, to the inside, and from the ground up.
To commemorate the gift of a new home, keys were passed from Rondack Construction to Crenshaw and then to Pastor Hunt. And to thank a faithful servant Pastor Hunt gave architect of Rondack Construction a gift.
"I watched the process grow from Pastor Hunt's office to the community, and then watched it fall to the ground. I loved it [construction]; yet despised it, as the project became an integral part of my life. Now my work is done," said Rondack.
The new edifice also reminded Mayor Matthew Alexander of his own childhood memories when his family moved 18 times before finding a home church. "[There is] great pride and joy for building this new church bringing the city of God to the city of man."
Pastor Hunt then brought the spoken word from Psalm 127:1, "Except the LORD build
the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the
city, the watchman waketh but in vain," emphasizing that the people did not build the house of the Lord but he Holy Spirit. If God is absent, efforts are useless.
The service ended with a gathering of fellowship in the reception hall.
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