South Side church to create cultural center

A South Side church plans to convert 4,000 square feet of its current building, including its sanctuary, into a community center for one of Madisons most racially and culturally diverse neighborhoods.

Fountain of Life Church and its Nehemiah Community Development Corp. announced in a festive groundbreaking ceremony Friday evening that its existing facility at 633 W. Badger Road will undergo a $300,000 renovation to become the South Madison Center for Culture and Community, described as a neighborhood gathering place to bring various cultures together.

"We are remodeling and refurnishing the current auditorium, meeting spaces and kitchen" for the new center, the Rev. Alex Gee, pastor of Fountain of Life Church, said before the ceremony began.

"If we had the time and space resources we would probably create a gym," Gee said.

Nehemiah, the churchs umbrella nonprofit organization, will manage the space, providing a location for courses, training, plays, art shows, film festivals, concerts and forums, Gee said. It will also offer a place for 12-step programs.

The updated kitchen and meeting space also will be available for banquets, he said.

Fountain of Life, a congregation of about 200 families, is also funding construction of a new $1 million church adjacent to the community center that will house a 500-seat sanctuary and 10 new classrooms. Both the new church and community center are expected to open by February.

"My first words are, Its about time. Weve wanted to do this expansion for years," said Madison police Officer Corey Saffold, who attended the groundbreaking both as a church member and as the Fisher-Baird neighborhood officer.

The church will pay for the community centers new roof and facade, but Gee hopes that outside donations will fund the interior and equipment upgrades. More information is online at http://www.southmadisonccc.org.

"I grew up in South Madison. And I have longed to see greater cultural expression here," Gee said. "Our center is going to certainly stress African-American art and culture. But another mission is to be a gathering place where we can learn about each others cultures.

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South Side church to create cultural center