FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Cumberland Christian Church has purchased 45 acres near its present location and will build a 2,000-seat sanctuary and gymnasium/family center, according to a news report in the Fayetteville Observer.
The church, which presently has 1,200 members but only a 500-seat sanctuary, paid $1.5 million to Sundust LLC for the four tracts of land in Eastover Township. The Rev. E.B. Herman said he expects construction to begin this year. The present sanctuary may be converted to an annex or fellowship hall.
Cumberland Christian last year dropped a bid to buy 38 acres at a different location after the Fayetteville Area Economic Development Corp. declined to rezone the land from industrial to commercial, the newspaper reported. The 38 acres were part of about 900 the board wanted to reserve for a large manufacturer.
Herman said he is happy the church will finally be able to relocate.
"It's a testimony to the faith of God, standing in faith and believing, and he opened a tremendous door for us," Herman told the newspaper.
