Church's addition to include new gym

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - One of the area's largest churches has begun construction on a nearly $2 million, 16,000-square-foot "Recreation and Ministry Center."

Bible Center Church, which is building the center behind its Bible Center School at 1111 Oakhurst Drive, hopes to have the project finished by August.

The church and the school will use the new building, executive pastor Lee Walker said.

"The church has wanted and needed a gym for many years," Walker said. "When the first addition at Oakhurst was built in 1983, a half gym was included, but it has proved to be inadequate. It will be the result of many years of planning and praying to finally have a gym."

The new gym will be used daily by Bible Center School where enrollment has increased by 45 percent since middle school was added, he said. Enrollment is expected to grow even more by fall, he said.

"We now rent gyms all over town," he said. "It will be helpful to have our own. From day one we expect the gym to be one of the most used facilities of our arsenal of space. Likewise, the addition of four classrooms is an absolute must. We are currently stuffing activities in every corner of our building.

"The new space will be so helpful. Teachers can't wait," he said.

Bible Center School now has 270 students enrolled in grades kindergarten through eight. There are 110 students in preschool for ages 3 and 4. In the fall, a transitional kindergarten program will be available for children who are not yet developmentally ready for kindergarten. It is believed to be the only program of its kind in the area.

The church will use the new gymnasium for recreation ministries for children, youth and adults, Walker said. The space will also be used for the regular Wednesday night middle school ministry called Element that includes music, games and Biblically based lessons. The school will use the gym for physical education classes and interscholastic basketball.  

Middle school interscholastic sports now include basketball, soccer and track for boys and girls, as well as boys' golf.  

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - One of the area's largest churches has begun construction on a nearly $2 million, 16,000-square-foot "Recreation and Ministry Center."

Bible Center Church, which is building the center behind its Bible Center School at 1111 Oakhurst Drive, hopes to have the project finished by August.

The church and the school will use the new building, executive pastor Lee Walker said.

"The church has wanted and needed a gym for many years," Walker said. "When the first addition at Oakhurst was built in 1983, a half gym was included, but it has proved to be inadequate. It will be the result of many years of planning and praying to finally have a gym."

The new gym will be used daily by Bible Center School where enrollment has increased by 45 percent since middle school was added, he said. Enrollment is expected to grow even more by fall, he said.

"We now rent gyms all over town," he said. "It will be helpful to have our own. From day one we expect the gym to be one of the most used facilities of our arsenal of space. Likewise, the addition of four classrooms is an absolute must. We are currently stuffing activities in every corner of our building.

"The new space will be so helpful. Teachers can't wait," he said.

Bible Center School now has 270 students enrolled in grades kindergarten through eight. There are 110 students in preschool for ages 3 and 4. In the fall, a transitional kindergarten program will be available for children who are not yet developmentally ready for kindergarten. It is believed to be the only program of its kind in the area.

The church will use the new gymnasium for recreation ministries for children, youth and adults, Walker said. The space will also be used for the regular Wednesday night middle school ministry called Element that includes music, games and Biblically based lessons. The school will use the gym for physical education classes and interscholastic basketball.  

Middle school interscholastic sports now include basketball, soccer and track for boys and girls, as well as boys' golf.  

The architect for the project is Bastian & Harris with construction management by Pray Construction. Aside from the gymnasium, the metal-and-masonry structure will include four classrooms, a large kitchen, office area, exercise room and restrooms.

Site preparation began Jan. 23. The estimated cost is $1.9 million.

In March 2008, Bible Center Church moved from Oakhurst Drive into a new worship facility off Corridor G. Situated on 96 acres, the building includes 67,000 square feet of space on three levels.

The Oakhurst Drive location has 50,000 square feet of space and has been maintained for offices, teen center and Bible Center School. The principal is Garland Elmore and preschool director is Vicki Hess.

Go to http://www.biblecenterschool.com for more information or call 304-346-0431.

Bible Center Church has had just four senior pastors during its 68 years. The Rev. Eric Mounts is the current senior pastor. He stepped into that role in March of 2011.

Bible Center Church is located at 100 Bible Center Drive. To reach the church, pass the shops along Corridor G, turn left on Parkway and right on Bible Center Drive.

Go to the website http://www.biblecenterchurch.com for more information.

Contact writer Charlotte Ferrell Smith at charlo...@dailymail.com or 304-348-1246.

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Church's addition to include new gym