Committee Co-Chairman Ron Stroman welcomed everyone and thanked them for their patience in the long and challenging process of bringing this project to fruition. Alan Hale then gave a masterful speech, reminding everyone of the long heritage of First Methodist in being a central part of Midland and the downtown area.
The members of the Building Committee were recognized for their dedication and hard work. In addition to Ron Stroman and Alan Hale, these included Co-Chairman Tim Culp, Burgess Wade, Cathy Norwood, Ed Runyan, Erin Black, Lori Miller, Shan Moon, and Senior Pastor Tim Walker.
Then Shan Moon, Donors Paula and Jim Henry, and Tim Culp did the groundbreaking honors. Applause and smiling faces reflected the energy everyone felt to have the project officially underway.
Dr. Walker briefly donned his hard hat to add his thanks for everyone’s support and led the group in prayer. Associate Pastor Kurt Borden also thanked the congregation for their dedication to creating a new meeting and worship space in a more contemporary style and also offered up a brief closing prayer.
As everyone departed for one of the two worship services there was a clear feeling of joy and energy created by this new phase in the life of First United Methodist Midland.