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Continuing the Dream

The Building Plan of Cool Spring Church

In 1999 the Cool Spring Baptist Church membership committed to the construction of a major phase of development of the church building and grounds. It was only 4 years prior that the new Fellowship Hall and Sunday School Building had been dedicated. But by 1999, with continuing membership growth, and growth in the surrounding Atlee area, the new buildings were already filled to capacity. It became evident that more physical growth of the church was needed to accommodate its spiritual growth.

The church membership voted to support the new growth plan in May of 1999, and within a short few months of time, $1.2 million was pledged toward the new construction cost estimate of $3.5 million. Property adjacent to the church was purchased, the existing home on that site moved to a new location, and official groundbreaking took place in the Summer of 2000.  The Rec Center and Fellowship Hall expansion were completed in early 2002, with a Dedication Service being held 4/21/02.

The New Rec Center at Cool Spring Church

The centerpiece of the Continuing the Dream Plan was the building of the Rec Center, and the development of the Recreation Ministry. This added a new dimension of Christian fellowship to Cool Spring through its recreational and entertainment potential. Features of the Rec Center include:

• A High School Regulation size basketball and volleyball court, used as such, or as an open area for a Worship Center or performances.
• A theatrical stage adjacent to the area above, including an excellent sound and lighting system. This gives potential for musical as well as dramatic productions. A lift gives wheelchair access to the stage.
• An exercise and aerobics room, locker rooms, game room, and reception areas. A concession stand is included as well.
• An overhead walking/running track around the perimeter of the basketball court and an upstairs lounge.
• Four additional upstairs multipurpose rooms for classes, meetings, craft making, etc.
• The 8:30 Sunday Morning Worship Service was held in the Rec Center starting in April 2002, with a seating capacity is nearly double that of the sanctuary. A second Worship Service was added in the Rec Center at 10:00 starting in October 2003.  The 11:15 Worship Service is held in the Sanctuary.

Expansion of the Fellowship Hall and Sunday School Building

A substantial enlargement of the Fellowship Hall was completed, doubling its current size. Three new partitioned classrooms, kitchen and storage expansion, and a new entrance foyer connecting to the existing lobby are in this area. Downstairs, nine new Sunday School classrooms of varying sizes were completed.  These rooms were also used for CARITAS in early 2002.

Outside, a large covered entranceway and driveway opens into the new entrance foyer. New parking lots with plenty of guest parking spaces are available.

The Recreation Ministry, and its Full-time Minister of Recreation

In July 2001, Doug Grote came to Cool Spring as the Minister of Recreation.  He has developed a balanced and comprehensive program of recreational activities for all ages: arts and crafts, hobbies, physical fitness, social recreation, sports, therapeutic recreation, outreach, intramural, trips, special projects, etc. These activities and programs are consistent with church adopted objectives and goals, and are designed to strengthen family ties.

For news about ongoing and planned activities organized by the Recreation Ministry, go to the Rec Center Web Pages.

Continuing the Dream: Building for Today and Tomorrow . . .

The ambitious plans described above aimed to provide our current church membership, as well as our future membership, with the means to study God's Word, participate in family oriented activities, and enjoy Christian fellowship. However, as Cool Spring Baptist Church continues to grow, we may be discussing our next phase of development in the not- to-distant future.