The day FBC voted to purchase our current property on Dave Lyle Blvd was a big day in the history of our church.

We met at 4:00 pm on a Sunday afternoon for a called business meeting. This allowed us to all be together at one time, since we were in three worship services at the time on Sunday mornings.It also allowed those who had trouble getting out after dark to attend. The date was March 3, 1996. The downtown sanctuary was packed.

Several informational meetings at preceded this one, so there was only a brief discussion.The congregation then voted by secret ballot. The yes votes were 528 (90.3%), with 57 no votes. When I announced the vote, the congregation erupted with a standing ovation (see photographs below).

One of my memories form that afternoon involved those who counted the ballots. I had instructed them to do their best to maintain a neutral expression when they returned to the sanctuary after counting the votes. I didn’t want their facial expressions to give away the result. They did such a good job at this that when they first entered the room, for a moment I thought the vote had failed.

We ended the meeting with a time of testimony. Several members gave thanks to God and expressed their excitement about the future God had for us.It was a day I will always remember.I’d love to hear what those of you reading this blog remember about the day. Use the comments section below to share with me your memories.

Pastor Steve Hogg