There’s no better feeling than returning home.
Members of Hopwood Memorial Christian Church get to experience the feeling this weekend with the church recently concluding a $1.5 million building project to help accommodate the growing population.
Since early May, the church went through renovations to add needed space, address accessibility and help modernize the historic site, which has portions of structure that are approximately 150 years old.  Pastor Timothy Ross added that the architectural firm, Reedy and Sykes, and construction crew, Burleson Construction, has worked closely with church members to maintain the historic beauty of the building, while helping modernize the site. Landscape design was provided by Ken Soergel of Johnson City Landscape Design.
Ross added that Milligan College and Emmanuel Christian Seminary residents have been excellent to work with during the process of renovations. Church members worshiped at Emmanuel Seminary and will hold their last service at the building on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 9:30 a.m. Following the morning service, the congregation will walk down the hill and make their way to the new church building with a worship service set for 10:30 a.m.
“I can’t say enough about the support we’ve received from Milligan College and Emmanuel Seminary,” Ross said. “They’ve been so accommodating. From road work, to letting us worship at Emmanuel, I can’t say enough. We want to continue being an important part of Milligan College and will continue to work with the school.”
Ross added that the public is invited to attend Sunday’s service to view the improvements to the facility. A formal dedication to Hopwood Memorial Christian Church is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 14, at 10:30 a.m.
Other improvements to the church include a new entrance on the same level as the street was added, a new elevator and wider doors to provide entry to the lower level fellowship hall.
The congregation will also have an increased space within the sanctuary for approximately 50 more people. Ross added the downstairs fellowship hall was also renovated with additional space.
Hopwood Memorial Christian Church has been active at the same location since the mid 1820s. Congregation lends support to various local, national and international ministries and provides a hub to college and seminary students.
Throughout the building process, Ross added the congregation performed fundraisers, along with receiving funds from local churches. The pastor also thanked everyone that helped contribute to the church’s renovation process.