News Details (Posted: June 30, 2006):

Ocean View United Methodist Church Ground-Breaking

Contact Information:

Sarah Witmer

Full Description:

Ocean View United Methodist Church on Oak Island held a Ground-Breaking ceremony Sunday afternoon, June 25th, for the construction of a new sanctuary and building addition to the present structure at 8400 E. Oak Island Dr.. The 2.1 million dollar structure will include seating for 400 in a worship setting, including choir and praise band, with state-of-the-art sound and visual equipment. Additional new construction will include three new offices, handicapped-accessible restroom facilities, ramps, a choir rehearsal/lecture hall, a sacristy, larger classroom, and a youth facility with its own kitchenette. With this new construction, Ocean View will be able to fully utilize its Multi-Purpose wing, in which they have worshipped since 1998. In addition, three rooms will be made availabe for classrooms and small-group meeting rooms. Due to construction in front of the present building, ten pine trees will be lost, but, by action of its Church Council, Ocean View will replace them with fast-growing trees. Every effort is being made to preserve as many trees on site as possible. Ocean View has grown in size and service since its organization in 1957. It's first building was completed in 1959, and additions have been made in 1964, 1982, and 1998. The average worship attendance today is approximately 350, with a service on Saturday evenings at 6:00, and services on Sunday mornings at 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00. Fred Roberts, pastor at Ocean View since 1991, says of the new construction, which is expected to be completed by Spring of 2007, "Don't just watch us grow, come, grow with us.".