MADISON – One of Madison’s oldest churches soon will start construction on a new fellowship hall.

The congregation of First Baptist Church of Madison at 4257 Sullivan St. in downtown Madison has scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for the new hall on May 20 at 11:30 a.m.

“First Baptist Madison has been a vital part of the Madison community since its founding more than 130 years ago,” congregation spokesperson Anna Claire Vollers said. “The church has been located at the corner of Sullivan and College streets in downtown Madison since 1884.”

“First Baptist Church of Madison is once again expanding so that it can better serve its congregation and community,” Vollers said. “The exciting new facility will be geared toward families, missions and the church motto: ‘Love God, Love People.'”

Rev. Bert Breland serves as lead pastor of the church.

The staff includes Rev. Mary Jo Gessner, Minister of Pastoral Care; Mark Gessner, Minister of Music; John Rogers, Minister of Students and Families; Susie Vance, Director of Preschool Ministries; Sam Lemmons, Maintenance Supervisor; Kathrine Street, Administrative Assistant; and Lara Dunlap, Receptionist.

The church conducts a traditional worship service at 9 a.m. and a contemporary worship service at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. Fellowship suppers are held on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.

The Music Ministry of First Baptist offers opportunities in the youth praise band, youth choir, praise band, church orchestra, along with the children’s and preschool choirs and sanctuary choir.

Numerous mission projects are active at First Baptist. Church members donate and pack weekend food bundles for students in need at Madison Elementary School.

Members volunteer in local, regional and foreign missions to help residents of the particular areas, such as Serving the City as One, food pantry at the church, assisting Manna House, Habitat for Humanity, Appalachian Outreach and Manhattan Mission Project.

Office hours at the church are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 256-772-9712 or visit FBCMadison.net or Facebook/First Baptist Church of Madison.