On Sunday, Jan. 22, the congregation of Pinehurst United Methodist Church celebrated its recently completed building addition with a special consecration service.

More than 300 members were in attendance at this service, which was followed by a church-wide dinner.

During the year 2010, it became obvious that the Christian education and ministry programs at PUMC were seriously compromised by a lack of space.

In order to work on this issue the congregation voted to form a building committee in the fall of 2010. This building committee worked on the original concepts for this addition and then selected the Pinehurst architectural firm of Stagaard and Chou to complete this design.

The design was completed and approved by the summer of 2011 and included six classrooms in a 3,400-square foot addition. Three of the classrooms can be opened up with movable partitions to create a fellowship hall.

For the construction phase of the project, the building committee engaged the Aberdeen firm, Sandhills Building Systems Inc. to be the general contractor. The building was completed under their supervision with the help of a number of local area subcontractors. The construction was initiated in August and was rapidly completed and ready for occupancy in early January.

Another result of the growth of PUMC has been the hiring of two new full-time staff members. Last summer, Tracy Kerley was hired as the full time minister of music.

Kerley moved here from Holland, Mich., and has served several other churches in this capacity.

The other new full-time staff position was filled by Zack Moser, who started work in September. Moser is the director of student and family ministry and his responsibilities will primarily involve the youth programs.

Pastor David Banks will continue to direct these staff members and the other programs at PUMC.