Construction is underway on a 27,000-square-foot building that will become the permanent home of Community Bible Fellowship Church in Westfield after securing more than $5 million through a fundraising campaign.
The church, which was started two years ago, broke ground on the first phase of the project Sept. 18 at 231 E. 161 St., the former property of Oak Springs Church. Faith leaders with Community Bible Fellowship Church purchased 15 acres and the existing church building a year ago, said Amy Flynn, director of administration with Community Bible Fellowship Church.
The church currently meets in the auditorium at Westfield High School every Sunday morning and averages about 450 people each week, said David Hoffeditz, senior pastor at Community Bible Fellowship Church.
“It’s been a blessing to be there,” Hoffeditz said.
However, Hoffeditz said continued growth and the fact that the high school will be renovating its auditorium in the summer of 2024 were two primary reasons why the church decided to pursue its current building project. When the building is finished, the sanctuary will be able to hold up to 850 people, Hoffeditz said.
“It was important to have a sanctuary where we could meet collectively and we put a great emphasis on congregational singing and congregational participation, and we wanted a sanctuary that lended itself to that,” Hoffeditz said.
The building will also feature a large foyer with a coffee shop, according to Hoffeditz, who noted that fellowship is an important aspect of the church atmosphere. Originally, the building was intended to be 37,000 square feet, but was scaled back because of rising construction costs, he said.
A second phase is planned at some point in the future, which will feature an adult education room and choir room. The current church building purchased from Oak Springs Church will be renovated and used to serve students in middle and high school, while office space will also be made available, according to Hoffeditz.
Hoffeditz said the church was able to secure $5.3 million for the first phase of the project, while the remainder of the cost will be covered by a loan. Of the $5.3 million raised, nearly 50 percent has been given through three-year pledges, he added.
“The generosity of the congregation is outstanding and humbling,” he said.
More than 100 people attended a groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 18, and Hoffeditz said officials hope to be in their new building by the summer of 2024.
Tom Flynn, an elder at the church, spoke warmly about the project and the community’s support.
“For us to start a church two years ago and start a building campaign, it’s pretty miraculous,” Flynn said. “We want to be able to serve the Westfield community.”
Hoffeditz also said he and his church are grateful and honored to be a part of Westfield and looks forward to seeing what the building will look like once it is completed.
“We see God’s fingerprints all over this,” he said.
Community Bible Fellowship Church
Community Bible Fellowship Church is a nondenominational, Evangelical church seeking to “love God and to love one another.” It currently meets in the auditorium at Westfield High School, 204 W. Hoover St., on Sunday mornings beginning at 10 a.m.
Individuals who would like to attend a worship service are asked to enter through Door 44. A Sunday school is also available from 9 to 9:45 a.m. for all ages, while a nursery for children up to age 5 is offered for both services.
To learn more about Community Bible Fellowship Church, visit commbiblefellowship.com.
