Westminster Presbyterian gets new sanctuary
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Larry Gilpin, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Martinez, is proud of the church's new sanctuary. He is quick to say that just because the new sanctuary is completed and although the church has many visitors, the church's mission is not complete. The congregation still has to go and do the work of the ministry. The new church has attracted many visitors. Items such as the 40 stained-glass windows with stories from the Bible on them help beautify and give meaning to the church.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Martinez have a reason to celebrate.
They recently moved from their gymnasium next door to a new sanctuary.
"Now that we have a larger facility, we are able to have one service," the Rev. Larry Gilpin said about the new facility at 4303 Wheeler Road. "One of the advantages (of having the new sanctuary) is that it allows us to be together and have an opportunity to get to know one another better, and it gives us a reverent atmosphere for the worship of God."
On Feb. 6, the church held a church dedication ceremony, where R. J. Gore, the dean of Erskine College and Seminary in Due West, S.C., and an active military chaplain who has been serving in Iraq, was to be the guest speaker. In addition to the service, the church also was to offer several other activities, including a continental breakfast, a music concert and lunch.
Since moving into the new sanctuary in December, Gilpin said the 240-member church's decor is a wonderful sight of more than 40 stained-glass windows, inspired by stories in the Bible; pews that can accommodate 425 people; a bride and groom's room and more.
"The sanctuary is a very inviting place," Gilpin said, adding that the church has had a significant amount of visitors since its completion.
The new sanctuary for Westminster Presbyterian Church in Martinez, is finally complete and was dedicated Feb. 6. The dean of Erskine College and active military chaplain R.J. Gore was the guest speaker during the special service. The bigger building allows the church to hold one service in which the entire congregation can worship together.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Still, Gilpin stressed that the new sanctuary does not mean the church's mission is complete.
"We also have to remember that the building is a tool; it does not do the work of the ministry for us," he said. "It is not an end in itself."