Alaska State Offices before (top), after (middle) and interior.
The Church of God in Alaska/British Columbia now has a new state office, which was dedicated during the recent camp meeting. Officiating at the dedication service was Dr. Tim Hill, first assistant general overseer.
The addition to the existing state parsonage houses an office for the administrative bishop, Gary Harris, a bookkeeper, storage rooms and restroom. The new facility was built on top of the flat-roofed garage. An enclosed stairwell was added for access to the new addition, which also has a private entrance from the parsonage and outside entrance for the public.
According to Harris, construction on the project began the last week of May in 2008. A fund raising effort to purchase the materials had been in progress for more than a year. The new roof on the office and parsonage, the heating system, carpet, and cabinet counter-top installation was done by local contractors. Thirteen people from a Men and Women of Action group from Rincon, Georgia, came with Pastor Wayne Merritt and did the framing. Another MWOA group from Homerville, Georgia, where David Vanoy is pastor, did inside painting, trimming and finishing. Pastors Steve Reem and Tommie Shook and men from their churches donated hours of labor to complete this project. Pastor Bobby Jones solicited donations for electrical supplies. Bishop Harris served as the general contractor, and raised the funds for materials from outside Alaska.
“We are deeply grateful to all who contributed,” Bishop Harris stated. “Due to the kindness of many friends from outside Alaska, this new office was dedicated debt-free! We give God all the glory for this wonderful milestone in Alaska/BC Church of God history!”