Groundbreaking paves way for host of programs
Story and photos
by Roxann Edsall
Submitted photos
There’s been a lighted cross just off U.S. 231, south of Pell City, for over a year, marking the spot where a new church will soon stand. Shovels tipped the dirt on a drizzly February morning, signifying the beginning of construction on the $7 million New Life Church.
Site work has already begun at the property adjacent to Cosper Construction on Easonville Road in preparation for the first phase of the project, which will include the building of an outdoor chapel to accommodate 150 people.
The main building will house 20,000 square feet of worship space, classrooms and offices with seating capacity for 300 in the sanctuary.
Byron Smith, owner of studiosmith Architecture, LLC in Pell City, designed the facilities with a nod to the casual “lake life” feel of the area. “In conceptual listening sessions, church members indicated that the proximity to the lake and its relaxed and informal nature was important to incorporate into the design,” said Smith. “The steeple will actually be a cupola with windows on four sides, which you might find at the peak of a home overlooking the lake.”
Smith describes the style as “traditional southern vernacular with a modern edge.” “Traditional forms, soaring ceiling heights and exposed timber roof structures were important to me in designing a public building that is recognizable, like a home,” he added. “It’s a reflection of the people who will use it.”
The population of both St. Clair County and Pell City continues to grow, with more than 200 new homes being built just a stone’s throw from this new church.
“Pell City is growing, with new homes and new businesses,” said Rotunda Forman, Pell City Chamber of Commerce vice president. “Even though we do have quite a few churches in Pell City, new churches are about a new voice, a new direction. People need to find what fits them. Our younger generations are looking for that.”
Wes Savage, who serves as lead pastor of New Life Church, agrees wholeheartedly. “We believe firmly that new churches help reach new people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” he says. “We’ve seen increases in visitors who were ‘unchurched’ or ‘de-churched’ people coming to experience renewed faith and a passion for their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We expect that to continue as we are able to provide new facilities for children and youth to meet the needs of families moving into the area.”
“At New Life,” adds Rev. Savage, “we are committed to raising up a new generation of believers and providing a place for families and adults to make new personal connections, find purpose, build community in a local body of Christ, and become equipped for the work Christ has called them to do for his kingdom and for his glory.”
New Life Church was planted in November of 2022 and has quickly grown to 300 members with seven staff. It is an independent church which upholds Protestant Christian beliefs as contained in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds.
Savage goes on to explain, “First and foremost, we are followers of Jesus Christ, grounded firmly on the unchanging word of God and guided by his eternal spirit. We believe all people should have the opportunity to hear and respond to the good news offered through Jesus. We believe God’s grace is abundant and the new life he offers is life changing.”
Helping to change lives is an important part of New Life’s mission of “glorifying God, making disciples, and blessing others in Jesus’ name.” In their first two years, a focus on missions has been in the forefront of the more than 25 projects New Life members have embraced.
From supporting the physical and spiritual needs of children in Juarez, Mexico, through Hunger House International to supporting the heroes at the Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans’ Home in Pell City, there is always a place to serve.
New Life members have collected food for the Christian Love Pantry and participated in distributing at the food giveaways, in addition to providing Thanksgiving dinner for inmates in St. Clair County. Other missions include Dovetail Landing, the Sheriff’s Boys’ Ranch, the Gideons and St. Clair County DHR’s Foster Children Christmas gifts.
Teams have also built solar cubes to help bring electricity to people in 18 countries through Designs for Hope.
Following the disastrous effects of flooding from Hurricane Helene in October, New Life sent a team to work with Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief in Boone, North Carolina. “It was such a humbling experience,” said Suzanne Freeman, chairperson of missions for New Life. “We helped three families who had extensive flood damage. We thought we’d come to help them but found ourselves even more blessed by them.”
Services on the new property will begin in the Spring. Until then, services are held each Sunday at 8:30 a.m., 9:40 a.m., and 10:30 a.m. at the Pell City Municipal Complex at 1000 Bruce Etheredge Parkway.
