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MANSFIELD– Last week, area officials were on hand to celebrate the grand opening of a thriving church in a new location.
Paradise Freewill Baptist, under the leadership of Reverend James Hill, held its first service at its new location at 87 North Illinois Avenue.
According to Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker, “this congregation is a loving and compassionate faith family. I am convinced that our area needs to have a thriving faith-based community where people can come and get support and grow together.”
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Reverend Hill recalled how he first met Mayor Theaker .
“I was at a clergy luncheon at his office and I felt my heart becoming knitted to the city when the Mayor spoke. After meeting him, I wanted to find out ways our church could serve the city.”
It was also a proud day for Chaplain Gary Lambert who helped mentor Pastor Hill, as well as his brother Larry and also Hank Webb; all three serve as pastors in the area.
“It is great to see the work that Jay has done in investing in peoples’ lives. Just three years ago this congregation had only four members. Today it has over 120 congregants, and from what I understand, over sixty of those persons are new converts. “
Chaplain Gary Lambert
“It is great to see the work that Jay (Pastor Hill) has done in investing in peoples’ lives. Just three years ago this congregation had only four members. Today it has over 120 congregants and from what I understand, over sixty of those persons are new converts. ”
“It is hard not to be emotional.” says Lambert.
In addition to County Commissioner Marilyn John, Sheriff Steve Sheldon also attended the ceremony.
The Sheriff commented, ” I am a strong advocate of law enforcement partnerships with faith communites. We have a faith-based STARFISH drug treatment program that utilizes the ministries that churches can provide. Churches, like Paradise View give a much needed support network on the ground providing a favorable setting for the rehabilitation of those entrapped in substance abuse. In addition, churches help in the reduction of juvenile crime.”
“Our congregation is honored to have our local officials coming in to worship with us and participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony,” said Reverend Hill. “We are truly humbled that GOD has blessed our church with this new facility.
