Shallowford Presbyterian Church Breaks Ground on Expansion

Shallowford Presbyterian Church recently broke ground on a $3 million (approx.) Rooted in Faith, Forward in Hope capital campaign to fund the expansion of its main building and renovation of key portions of the existing ministry facilities. Following a bagpiper, the congregation walked from the sanctuary outside to the courtyard where Senior Pastor Rev. Christopher Henry conducted the groundbreaking ceremony. The church is located on Shallowford Road, east of I-85 in central DeKalb County.

“Shallowford Presbyterian Church is in the midst of a season of new life and thriving ministry,” said Rev. Henry. “We are active in mission and ministries to serve our world and community as we build upon our strengths to give life to God’s ministries here and welcome others for generations to come.”

As the ceremony began, Rev. Dr. Ben Johnson, Professor Emeritus at Columbia Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, delivered the Prayer of Gratitude and Dedication followed by the congregation’s singing of the hymn, “The Church’s One Foundation.” Youth Elders Marshall Carl and Anne-Elizabeth Heyse and the Chair of the Organ Task Force, Elder Laura Bishop, each read a selection of scripture before the official turning of the sod took place.

Ceremony participants included Dr. William and Dr. Jeffery Pendergrast, charter members of the congregation; Ellen Bayley, Karen and Kathryn Kent, members representing three generations of the same family; and the three newest members of the church family, infants Avery Lovingood, Gwennie McDonald and William Turner. The ceremony ended with a blessing delivered by Elder Jay Turney, Chair of the church’s Capital Campaign Task Force.

Renovation to the church’s sanctuary includes installing windows, new lights, a new sound system and a new pipe organ. The adult and youth choirs’ rehearsal space will be expanded. The youth choir has grown 33 percent in just three years, now reaching more than 80 student singers. Adding a new nursery on the main level close to the sanctuary will make it more accessible to parents than the current nursery located on the second floor. On the lower level, the office area will be redesigned to be more functional and to create a welcoming, accessible entrance and to accommodate a growing church staff

The church’s outdated kitchen will undergo a complete renovation to support meal ministries and fellowship. To continue its outreach to the community, the Shallowford Food Pantry will move to new space that includes an integrated receiving area.

“Honoring our commitment to mission and community ministry, and out of gratitude to the tremendous blessings we have all received from our generous God, we will dedicate ten percent of the total contributions to church expansion and renovation to mission partnerships serving those beyond our doors,” stated Rev. Henry.

Founded 57 years ago, Shallowford now has a membership of more than 900 members. The church offers programs and mission opportunities for all ages in addition to two worship services on Sundays. Popular programs include an active youth group, choirs for children, youth and adults, Bible studies, men’s and women’s groups and a Wednesday night dinner and program. The church is home to Shallowford Presbyterian School, recently celebrating its fiftieth anniversary and expanding to include a first grade class in the fall of 2015.

Photo Caption 1: Three generations of one family who are members of Shallowford Presbyterian Church took turns wielding the shovel to break ground on the church’s planned expansion and renovation. (l. to r.) Kathryn Kent, her mother Karen Kent and Karen’s mother, Ellen Bayley participate in the groundbreaking as Sr. Pastor Rev. Christopher Henry, right, looks on.

Photo Caption 2: Senior Pastor Rev. Christopher Henry, (right), watches as charter member Dr. Bill Pendergrast, with shovel, turns the first shovel of dirt at the groundbreaking ceremony held recently at Shallowford Presbyterian Church to mark the beginning of the church’s expansion and renovation.

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