When COVID-19 closed Pennsylvania on March 13, 2020, The First Baptist Church at the corner of High and West streets in Waynesburg had already purchased the vacant Belko Foods and had its Community Center signage up. But the promise of “Coming Soon!” would be put on hold as the world went virtual overnight and congregations attended services online from the safety of their homes.
Now, a year later, the Reverend Dr. Ed Pierce is here to tell us that the Capital Campaign for Walking Together has kicked off and if you want to see what it will look like, inside and out, a virtual tour is waiting online.
Reverend Pierce admits 2020 was an amazingly fruitful time well spent, with countless virtual planning sessions, zoom meetings telephone calls and texts as the church partnered with other churches, businesses, educators, volunteers and the nonprofit community to pinpoint the needs of the neighborhood, its children and their families, extending to the community at large. Drafts were drawn up and technology stepped in to make these plans visible, 21st century style.
The flavor of West Waynesburg is changing. New businesses are opening in this historically industrial side of town and old businesses are either under new management or changing their venue to suit the times.
What’s lacking is a place for the community at large to gather, a safe place that kids can ride their bicycles to and hang out, play games, learn and grow. A place where families can find support and grow. The virtual walkabout takes visitors through the high ceilinged recreation area with all it has to offer, into pre school classrooms, play areas and places to congregate, minister and feel the love of Scripture. And what modern gathering place would be complete without a café with food and beverages on hand and music in the air?
These things won’t happen overnight – there is some serious fundraising to be done. But as the world opens up once more, the unfinished interior of what was once Belko Foods, now known as Walking Together, will be hosting flea markets and impromptu gatherings, games and fun activities for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Take the virtual tour at FBCTHEWAY.org. and prepare to be impressed.
For more information about Capital Campaign 2021 and how you or your organization might get involved, go online or stop by the church for a brochure.
