HOWARD — After three years of searching and praying for 20 acres of land, Mount Vernon Baptist Temple was able to recently break ground for the construction of a new building.

For 17 years the congregation has been a part of the Knox County community and a welcoming place for families, friends and guests. The church has grown into a blossoming 250-member congregation, and since its start years ago, has outgrown three facilities.

“The church use to be on Old Mansfield Road about 10 years ago,” said Josh Kirby, member of the church.

But as the need arose for a larger building, the church moved to Yauger Road, where the congregation met for seven years before moving again to the present site on Floralwood Drive in Howard.

“The problem with the building on Yauger Road, when we thought to expand, we learned that it wouldn’t suit our needs for future growth,” said Kirby.

So the church began the search for property where they could build and maintain steady growth.

Several years of patience proved to be fruitful for at the end of last year a couple from the congregation generously gifted the church 15 acres with an existing building on the location. The church then decided to purchase an additional 5 acres adjoining the property.

“This has been a huge blessing,” said the Rev. Bill Fennell, pastor. “We praise the Lord for his goodness to us.”

kenesha.beheler@mountvernonnews.com