The original parsonage was constructed in the early 1960s at a cost of about $3,000. The original home was about 1100 sq. ft., had 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. The carport was later converted into a large master bedroom with the smaller 3rd bedroom converted into a walk-in closet and master bath. This house has been home for many pastoral families. The replacement of our parsonage has been an issue for several years. However, with today's high cost of building material a construction project like this is practically impossible where funding is limited.

 

            Knowing that we would eventually need to remodel or replace the structure we felt it necessary to have a structrual study done. When this study was conducted in 2008, it was evident that remodeling was not a going to be possible. The study revealed that the plumbing and electrical systems were beyond repair. The street in front of the house had been altered several years after the house was built, causing water to pool under the house which caused much damage to the foundation over the years. There were many other problems discovered, among which was black mold growing throughout the house, especially in the master bedroom. The study also revealed that if the house could be saved, the cost would be astronimical. The house has given many years of service, but it has become a health and safety hazard and must be replaced.

 

            In May of 2010, a modular home was found and we considered the possibility of buying it. About the same time we explored the possibility of renting a house from the mine. The church decided to wait on God to give clear direction in something of a more permanent nature that would allow the pastor's family to stay near the church. The issue was made a matter of prayer.

 

            The Lord wondrously and openly answered prayer when the modular home was generously donated to the church by Caribou Incorporated. The home was 2 years old, 76 X 30 ft., over 2,200 sq. feet and has 4 bedrooms, a livingroom, and a family room. With the proper maintenance and care, this structure will serve the needs of First Baptist Church for many, many years to come. How we thank God for His goodness to us in the provision of this home.

 

 

            The new parsonage needed some cleanup and TLC, but was ready for occupancy about mid-June 2010. It is currently located accros town until we can re-locate it to our lot. The first of our tasks in re-locating the new home was the demolition of the old house. We looked into the possibility of tearing it down ourselves or having someone tear it down for us. We approached the townsite manager with our concerns and they graciously offered to tear it down and despose of the debris at no cost to us. This was completed in October of 2010. 

                                           

The Beginning

 

Continuing

 

Almost done

 

Completed

 

            Our next task was to re-establish the electric lines (the original line went from the pole to the house to the church, and was lost when the house came down). This entailed digging a 125 ft. trench 2 ft. deep. We also committed this project to prayer. At first, we thought we could do this project ourselves at a cost of about $3,000, but were quickly informed by A.P.S (our local electrical company) that we needed to hire a licensed contractor to do this for us. We contacted a local electrical contractor about this and they gave us an estimate of $6,800 for this project (after they discounted it by $2,000). We again turned to the Lord for his provision of these funds. He brought the money in by the end of February 2011 and electricity was restored to the church in April 2011.

 

 

125 feet of trench dug for electric lines

 

running the electrical line

 

Final Instalation

                   

 

            Next comes the lot preparation. When that task is completed our final task will be relocting the home to the site. The estimated cost of this final phase is $13,000. Please pray with us as we embark on these final steps in our PARSONAGE SOLUTION project.