New Free Chapel complex ready for first service

GAINESVILLE - More than two years after construction began, the new Free Chapel Worship Center complex in Gainesville is ready for occupancy.

The new sanctuary will seat about 3,500, more than double the current capacity with the ability to expand to a 5,000-seat facility. The first service in the new building is scheduled Sunday morning at 10:00.

Work began in early 2002.

The groundbreaking took place after about 3,000 people marched down McEver Road from the current church location to the site of the new complex.

The building plans call for four phases of construction. Phase one was to include include the new sanctuary, children's church, pre-school, and nursery facilities.

Plans call for the site to eventually include additional classrooms, meeting rooms, and offices; a fellowship hall; wedding chapel; gym; room for additional ministries; baseball diamonds; and, a soccer field.