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Construction is progressing at the new site of Imago Dei Church at the 45. With plans to commence services on site in the near future, local and out-of-state mission teams have joined forces with the congregation to aid in the construction of the new facility. 

On Dec. 16, volunteers from nearby Hayneville Baptist Church volunteered their time to furthering the work, lending a hand to build much-needed ramps to access two trailers that will be used as classrooms.

Pastor and church planter Davey Lyon, expressed gratitude for the invaluable assistance from the mission teams, emphasizing their pivotal role in the project. 

“We were at the old Piggly Wiggly, where we’ve been meeting for two years,” Lyon said. “The Lord does everything in his time and he blessed us with property.”

In January of 2021, Lyon felt the time was right to lead a Bible study but lacked a suitable location. The Baptist State Board of Missions provided two trailers, prompting Lyon and other members of the congregation to pray about their placement. 

Acquiring a nine-acre property, on U.S. Highway 80 in Hayneville, marked an important milestone for Imago Dei Church. Lyon shared that besides the sanctuary and classrooms, the church aims to use the land to offer various facilities and programs to serve a wider spectrum of community members.

“We don’t want to just be where you come for church service,” Lyon said. “We want a place for the community, where everyone is welcome.”

Lyon highlighted plans for after-school programs, as well as the installation of a football field, basketball court, playground, and more. These amenities are designed to engage youth, providing a safe and welcoming environment along with opportunities for fellowship and growth.

As the church is being built up, Lyon shared that eventually, the two trailers will be used for Sunday school classes but in the meantime, getting the buildings finished and habitable will allow the congregation to move forwards with church and community events. 

Predicting that the trailers could be ready for HVAC and electrical installation within a few weeks, Lyon said the church had one obstacle to overcome before the congregation could make full use of the space -. the trailers were about twenty feet apart and the doors sat three feet off the ground, making access difficult. 

The pastor expressed God made a way to navigate the challenge, as He has many times before.

“Every time we’ve had a need, the Lord has met it,” Lyon stated. “We needed a deck to connect the two buildings and a wheelchair ramp and stairs so that people can get in.”

That need was met by volunteers from the Hayneville Baptist Church. Church member Chuck Lambert said that as part of the church’s ministry, the organization sets aside funding each year for mission projects installing handicap accessible porches, doors, and ramps. After calculating the necessary materials and manpower, a group of volunteers from Hayneville Baptist showed up, tools in hand, to lend a hand to Imago Dei.

“Davey’s doing great work out there and we wanted to show our support for what he’s trying to do,” Lambert said. “It was the right thing to do, and we were glad to do it.”

Imago Dei Church’s expansion marks a significant step in its mission to serve the community of Whitehall and create a welcoming space for all. With the ongoing support of volunteers and the congregation’s dedication, the church is poised to become a vital part of the community’s fabric, providing not just a place of worship but also a hub for activities that enrich the lives of residents young and old.