Church building new social hall

EXETER Construction began this summer on the new social hall at St. Stephens Church, replacing the current facility located a distance from the church, in downtown Exeter.

This will easily accommodate wedding receptions and parish activities, explained Father Tom Kuffel. The other hall didnt meet our needs anymore and we had accessibility issues there as well. Its been a long desire for us to have a church hall on the property.

Capacity has been estimated at around 150.

We hope to have coffee and rolls here after services, pancake breakfasts, chili feeds and fish fries, Father Kuffel said. We want this to be a regular part of the community, hosting funeral and prenuptial dinners and yes, small wedding receptions.

Members of the congregation serving on the building committee are Bob Dumpert, George Erdkamp, Barry Murphy, Gerry Geiger, Mark Becker, Bob Mueller, Vicki Geiger and Ranell Odvody. The committee is overseeing the construction.

The congregation raised about one third of the cost and rest came by way of donations through wills and bequests.

Mueller and Geiger said they are thrilled with the new project. Its a much nicer facility with better spaces for our CCD classes, bigger bathrooms. It has a much larger capacity with better and more parking. Just not having to climb stairs will be a key for most people, along with the fact that the upkeep should be easier with a new building.

The building meets all ADA requirements and is designed to match the church, Kuffel said. Two of the old stained glass windows from the school that once stood nearby have been refurbished and will be placed in the front entrance area of the social hall.

The group also hopes to incorporate the bell from the school into the building.

The only part of the project that is left to plan is the kitchen. The budget did not include finishing the kitchen, so the congregation is still looking for donations for that portion.

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Church building new social hall