Many people have asked where our new property is actually located. With the opening of Highway 15 extension, now called Hickory Tree Road, it is now easy to view the property. The property is bound on the west by Old Hickory Tree Road and on the east by Hickory Tree Road (Highway 15 extension). The best way to see the property is to travel east on 192 to Old Hickory Tree Road. Turn south or right on Old Hickory Tree Road and travel approximately 2.5 miles. The property is marked by a sign on the left side of the road. The sign is approximately in the center of our 450 feet of road frontage. Then continue until the road meets Hickory Tree Road and turn north or left. Our property is marked by a sign on the left side of the road. The sign is on the south corner of our 990 feet of frontage.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
On Sunday, February 21, 2004, members of St. Cloud First United Methodist Church gathered at our new property for a historic event. The symbolic groundbreaking ceremony started our expansion on Hickory Tree Road. The construction of the first structure, an outdoor pavilion, has begun. It was an exciting day for members of our church.
This is an exciting time in our church's history, Building Anew and Expanding Our Territory is rapidly gaining momentum, evolving from a vision to a reality.
Phase One of the building program at our Hickory Tree Property will be the facilities for the preschool and elementary grades. Groundbreaking will be this spring with the opening of the school tentatively scheduled for August of this year. Construction of Phase Two, the Family Life Center, is scheduled to start by the summer of 2007, just a little over a year away. Phase Three will be the building of the Sanctuary.
Phase One will take about $750,000 for buildings and infrastructure. Preliminary plans are now being formulated to develop plans for a capital fund raising project. Everyone is invited to attend the Building/Planning Meetings scheduled for the second Tuesday each month. Any concerns can be directed to me, Richard Pelkey (407) 957-8983 or your can speak with anyone on the Building/Planning Committee.
It will require a major effort from our congregation and our leadership team to make this dream a reality. The united support and continuing prayers of all members and visitors are crucial to our success.
Captial Campaign
First St. Cloud has begun it's Capital Campaign for the building effort on Hickory Tree. Rev. John Cummings is the director of our Capital Campaign. Watch your Sunday bulletin and check the website often for information on upcoming meetings and events as we continue to "Build Anew and Expand Our Territory"
