St Andrew Baptist Church opened newly rebuilt worship center following Hurricane Michael

BAY COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – After nearly 6 years of reconstruction, St. Andrew Baptist church opened its newly rebuilt worship center to its congregation on Sunday morning.

The church at the corner of Highway 98 and Beck Avenue sustained significant damage during Hurricane Michael back in 2018.

While the major restoration project was initiated for the worship center and other structures, the church resumed services in their youth student building.

“The student center actually was a little smaller than this but it was it was really one of the first buildings to be repaired after Hurricane Michael. And so it was the obvious choice to move in there. And then with the goal to get into this building eventually, “churchgoer Stanley Kirkland said.

Within the 6 year reconstruction process, the church experienced a number of obstacles including construction delays, the COVID-19 pandemic, and additional damage from the tornado that hit Panama City this past January.

“Well, just like every other construction project over the past few years, you know, materials, supplies, contractor availability, just time frames, things like that. And of course, you know, whenever you need patience, God gives you a chance to practice patience. And so we did,” Timothy Bernard said.

The worship center has brighter walls, new technology, sound, seating, and lights.

Pastor Corey Pitts said one thing that hasn’t changed is the community that the building houses.

“It’s been exciting all week, just getting ready to go back Into the worship center. But there’s something about stepping back in all as a group, as a church family that just felt like we were coming back home,” Pastor Pitts said.

The church repaired and renovated every building on the campus. They hope with this new building they can enhance the church community’s worship experience.

If you would like to attend a St. Andrew Baptist church service, small groups meet on Sundays at 9 am and worship service will begin at 10:30 am.

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