By Message Staff
WOODWORTH – The site of the new Georgia Barnette Conference Center is anything but quiet this week.
Volunteers from throughout the state are busy laying concrete on the front sidewalk of the building, digging drain and fire water lines for the sprinkler system and building cabinets for the coffee bar.
Some workers are as young as elementary school age while others are in their 70s. But all have the same goal and mission – contribute to the construction of a center that will house information about influential early-day Louisiana Baptists and become a state-of-the art training facility for the future of missions in Louisiana.
Among the volunteers onsite this week is Mackenzie Aymond, who came with fellow youth group members from Calvary Baptist Church in Woodworth. She counted it joy to brave the humidity and follow the example of others who have worked for months on the project.
“I have seen all these people sweating and working out here before, so when I heard I would have an opportunity to help out here, I immediately agreed,” Aymond said. “After spending a few hours working on the building, I appreciate what all they have done.”
Glorida Beasley came with others from First Baptist Church in Ferriday and was excited to spend Tuesday and Wednesday serving in this capacity.
“There was a need and we were available,” Beasley said. “It’s a joy giving of our time for this cause.”
The 8,400-square-foot facility at Tall Timbers Conference Center is to have six small group rooms and a large auditorium that can be arranged for up to 580 participants. Also included is a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting.
The center is named after Georgia Barnette, the first elected and paid Woman’s Missionary Union executive director/treasurer in Louisiana. Every year Louisiana Baptists collect the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering.
The anticipated opening date is Sept. 27, when the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board meets. Before the building is dedicated, more volunteers are needed. Remaining work includes completion of the parking lot, finishing the electric air system, installing fixtures in the bathroom and laying down floor in the lobby.
To volunteer, call project co-coordinator Joyce Temple at 318.368.5225.
