Our History continued
In 1958 plans were finalized for a $200,000 project. A two-story addition at the east end of the church provided for a divided choir loft, a modern worship center, pulpit, lectern, office space, new classrooms, modernization of the kitchen and dining areas, an all-purpose room, a choir room, and other needed facilities. St. Paul's Church had faced the challenge of the day and met it four-square. Groundbreaking took place Sunday, April 13, 1958, and the cornerstone was put in place October 16. In 1959 Consecration of the building occurred March 3, celebrating the payment in full for a comprehensive project which included new pews, an inspiring rose window, and a facility equal to the needs and demands of the day. The church now had three full time ministers on staff, 1,241 members, and 456 in Sunday School.
In 1970 a three manual Austin Pipe Organ of 51 ranks was installed.
By 1972, 101 years of St. Paul's church history had been established and another new addition was added under the pastorate of Rev. William McClelland. The church now had 1,150 members.
December 1975, with membership constantly growing and now numbering about 1,500 the congregation was constantly pressed for space and it was realized that more room was needed. The sanctuary was too small, the fellowship room was small, class rooms and choir rooms were inadequate. The west end of the building was in dire need of repairs many of them major. The outside was brick veneer over wood frame and this frame was rotted. At a meeting on Dec. 23rd after much discussion the congregation voted overwhelmingly to undertake a new building campaign to replace the entire west end of the church.
December 12th 1976: A groundbreaking ceremony was held following the morning worship service. It was the 12th day of the 12th month at 12 noon. It was also the 12th year at St. Paul's for the Rev. William R. McClelland.
December 4th 1977: The new west wing of the church was already in use and special cornerstone laying ceremonies were held as part of the morning worship service. Special music led the congregation outside at which time the Rev. McClelland and the Superintendent Dr. Robert Beyer, conducted the ceremonies.
1992: The first few praise services were experimented with at evening dates. These services were an outgrowth of prayer groups led by Michael Badger, Richard Hendrickson, Stephen Mugglin and George Robson IV. As summer approached separate commitments led the leaders in different directions away from continuing this exercise.