PLANO, Texas -- More than 1,600 people turned out May 11 to attend the first service in St. Andrew United Methodist Church's new sanctuary.
According to The Dallas Morning News, the service capped a three-year, $20 million building project. Construction began last year.
The church was founded in 1986 with 250 members who conducted services at a high school. Membership has grown to 4,200 and the new complex encompasses 110,000 square feet.
"This house is an inviting place," the Rev. Robert Hasley, senior pastor, said. "We're inviting people from all over this region to be a part of this family of faith. That's the church at its best."
A roofed walkway connects the sanctuary to a separate wing for education, music and nursery services. The walkway sits atop Roman arches and crosses a small creek.
Except for stained-glass windows for the sanctuary and a children's area in the adjoining building, the project is complete, the newspaper reported. The windows are expected to be installed by the first part of July.
