More than 94 church and community members came together on Sabbath, Jan. 24, to mark the opening of a new church building and to welcome a new pastoral family to the Havre, Mont., congregation. The building fulfills a dream to have a church, parsonage, school and gymnasium all on one campus. God obviously directed the process by guiding the sale of the former church building. The cooperation of local contractors and the generosity of members and friends reflected in the donations of time and money have made the dream a reality.
The congregation has been meeting in the school since the sale of the former church building in June 2006. In the fall, construction began on the new church, and as funds came in, the building began to take shape. Local contractors allowed members to do as much of the plumbing and electrical work as possible. Several projects are still being completed.
During the morning service, John Loor Jr., Montana Conference president, introduced Richy Thomas, the new pastor, his wife Shannon and their two children. Also participating in the service were Ray Jimenez, vice president for finance, and David Prest, ministerial secretary. Jim Jenkins, former Havre district pastor, delivered the sermon and urged all to make this sanctuary a place of prayer, forgiveness, acceptance and growth by allowing the Holy Spirit to make a sanctuary of each individual. Darren Wilkins, Mt. Ellis Academy principal, and Leisel Rogers, music director, brought six vocalists from Mt. Ellis to enrich the service with music.
Following the morning celebration, nearly 80 people stayed for lunch in the school gym. Many came back that evening for a family fun night in the gym.
John Loor Jr., Montana Conference president, introduces Richy Thomas, pastor, his wife Shannon and their two children to the congregation. (Julie Jimenez)
The new Seventh-day Adventist church in Havre, Mont., is a dream come true. (Julie Jimenez)
