MULLICA HILL, N.J.  Trinity United Methodist Church has been in the same location for more than 150 years, but growth over the last 10 has forced church leaders to build a new home.
According to the Courier-Post, Trinity has far outpaced the growth rate of the community. Harrison Township grew 12 percent from 1990 to 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The congregation doubled over the last 10 years.
"We have about 350 worshippers and average 290 over the two services each Sunday," said the Rev. Glenn Conaway. "The community is growing rapidly and we're just growing with it."
Construction of the 22,000-square-foot, 350-seat sanctuary situated on 16 acres is nearly completed, and the church will conduct its first service there Nov. 23.
Recognizing the nascent population boom, the congregation began planning for a new church building 10 years ago, the newspaper reported. Through bake sales, pledge drives and other fund-raisers, members saved enough to buy the land and begin construction.
"It's been a real step of faith," said Terri Granderton, the church program coordinator. "Some people thought this couldn't be done. But they put their faith in God and believed if this is what He wanted, He would lead it to fruition."
A local attorney bought the old church building and plans to convert its sanctuary into a Christian bookstore and its classrooms into law offices.
