New chapter for Brethren church with plans for Fellowship Hall

By Pastor Tim Peter

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, Sept. 15, the members of the Prairie City Church of the Brethren gathered together to mark a historic moment in the church’s life – a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the construction of a new fellowship hall. With shovels in hand and hearts full of gratitude the congregation stood side-by-side as they celebrated the beginning of a new chapter for their community. After an opening prayer from Pastor Timothy Peter, words were shared from members of the building committee, as well as from Bruce Baker, co-pastor of the Pleasant Hill Community Church and Tim Button Harrison, Church of the Brethren Northern Plains District Executive.

The new fellowship hall, slated for completion in 2025, is expected to be a place of community engagement, service and fellowship. A recent donation from the Nellie Harris Estate, along with other memorial donations, encouraged the church family to think about the needs of the church including the programming and the physical plant. After discussion, it was decided that the greatest needs for our congregation was handicap accessibility and a more hospitable fellowship area. The new fellowship hall will include a lift to the sanctuary, as well as a large fellowship area including a kitchen. The project which has been years in the making is a testament of the congregation’s commitment to serving its members and the surrounding community.