MILTON, Fla.  More than 1,400 people were on hand as First Baptist Church of Milton celebrated in its new sanctuary Nov. 2. The celebration capped a $4.5 million development at the 158-year-old church.
According to the Pensacola News Journal, Milton Mayor Guy Thompson called the project the largest in the historic downtown area in more than 35 years. It included a 160-space parking lot, a nursery and renovations.
"The congregation gave sacrificially to see a 20-something-year dream come to fruition," said the Rev. John Lowe III, minister to students.
The church had been conducting multiple services on Sundays because its congregation had outgrown its facilities.
"Now we can get all the members of the church into one family under one roof," said the Rev. David Spencer, pastor. "Before, it was like having two churches. We will be giving out name tags so that people can get to know each other."
The new sanctuary seats nearly 1,500 and includes a bridal suite and quiet room for children, the newspaper reported.
