Dongell said the church knew it was reaching what he referred to as the “maxed out” point; however, the practical aspects such as when and how more physical space could be built took careful consideration.
The 35,000-square foot addition to the church located at 11203 S. Michigan Road means all of the church’s programming can now be housed on one campus.
Currently, the 125 or so youth in the junior-senior high school aged programs meet downtown. Dongell said the addition includes an upper 5,000-square foot level geared towards youth worship programs and a lower 5,000-square foot level to serve as a game room complete with a kitchenette.
Four large rooms dedicated to younger childrens’ needs is also an integral part of the new construction.
Dongell said, “Each room has one or two bathrooms so the teachers can watch the children without leaving the room. We included a lot of caution in to those areas in terms of security.”
A full-sized gymnasium with wooden flooring was included to meet the recreational needs of all ages. The gymnasium area has a stage area for programs as well.
The current fellowship hall accommodates only 100 people. That number will triple with the new facility.
According to Dongell, the seniors in the church will have a chapel area and fellowship hall dedicated primarily to their programs.
Over half of the funding for the more than $2 million project came from two pledge campaigns that were initiated within the church. Dongell said the Wesleyan Churches have an investment foundation that loans money for projects as well.
Dongell said Plymouth Wesleyan was fortunate to receive “huge” donations monetarily and in terms of service.
“Even some sub-contractors gave us discounts,” he said. A significant portion of the construction — including such items as inside painting, concrete work, interior decorating and tile work — were handled by volunteers. He said the gymnasium flooring was possible due to a monetary donation.
Although the dedication will take place this weekend, Dongell said there are a few items yet to be completed. He said they probably will not take occupancy for about four weeks.
“We hope the facility will be a draw for children, youth and families,” he said.
Currently the church holds three services each Sunday. Although the actual church membership is 375, average attendance each Sunday reaches approximately 900, according to Dongell.
He said, “The main measure of how a church is doing is the attendance.”
Dongell said he moved here in the fall of 2003 after pastoring in a church in San Diego, Calif. for 14 years.
“We appreciate the high moral values, family values and good school systems here,” he said.
His wife Reata teaches in the Bremen Schools.
He said he hopes the community will be able to use the new facility.
“What we do should always be a benefit,” he said.