By Eason Franklin
The Lowndes Signal

The New Bethel Baptist Church in Braggs will soon have extra room for its preschoolers, class and church members.

Now nearing completion, construction to expand the church’s fellowship hall began about two weeks ago. The project is being worked on with the help of the Campers on Mission group, said Belinda Strickland of the New Bethel Baptist Church of Braggs.

“It helps to have extra hands,” Strickland said. “Many hands make light work.”

The Campers on Mission are affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and travel to different church to assist with construction projects upon request, Strickland said.

“The churches have to provide materials,” said Strickland. “They provide the labor.”

The New Bethel Baptist members removed everything used for the original nursery and classroom and have incorporated those items into other parts of the original fellowship hall to make way for the new addition.

The church was able to collect donations through members and apply church funds to purchase materials for the project.

The Campers on Mission are scheduled to leave Friday, but may depart early depending on the rate the construction is completed.

New Bethel Baptist members will have to take on the tasks of putting up sheetrock, painting and laying carpet to the new expanded area after workers complete the framework.

Strickland said the church has no immediate plans for expansion after the completion of the additional space, but will address any future concerns as needed.