SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

Sunday, Oct., 8 was a day members of Lakeview, Pelham&8217;s First United Methodist Church have been awaiting for a number of years.

A &8220;Journey Of Faith,&8221; which began 108 years ago continues as they move forward into their new church.

Pastor Ron Schultz led a service, which began at the present church located at 3190 Pelham Parkway at 10 a.m. As an act of worship, the congregation

then moved in procession to the new church, which is located at 5154 Shelby County Highway 11 to conclude the service.

The &8220;Journey Of Faith&8221; began on Oct. 25, 1898 when both Baptist and Methodist worked together to begin construction of the original church on property

which was deeded

by Mr. Shell Cross. It was the first worship center built in Pelham and was completed 25 days after the work began. The first pastor of the church, Rev. Felix A. Vann, led the congregation of 84 people.

It was called New Methodist Episcopal Church South. Since that time the church has undergone a number of name changes and built and renovated several buildings.

The new church building is in a beautiful 40 acre woodland setting adjacent to a three acre lake. It was constructed by Gary Wyatt Construction Company with C T S M Architects, Inc.

A 24 hour prayer vigil was held at both the old and new church on Friday and Saturday Oct., 6 and 7, giving thanks to God and praying for those in the community. Sunday worship services at the new church will begin at 10 a.m. For more information go to the Lakeview web site visit www.lakeviewonline.net.