Work begins on the new £500,000 Emmanuel Archer Hall complex at Billericay on Monday.
The hall and two meeting rooms are expected to be in use before Christmas and by Emmanuel church groups, as well as community groups, who have been operating from Portacabins.
Ramoss Contractors from Southend on Sea won the contract to build the new hall complex, which will adjoin the church building in Laindon Road.
The hall will fulfil a vision by the Archer family who gave the land early last century for "the building of a new church", Team Rector Rev Elwin Cockett said.
The church was completed in 1992 and the hall will finish the Archer's vision.
The Rev Cockett said: "This exciting project shows that the church is alive and well in Billericay. It represents a remarkable act of faith in Billericay.
"Emmanuel Church itself cost nearly £1million to build, most of which came from the generous giving of church members. The new hall project will cost another £500,000 but it will provide a superb facility which will serve Billericay for many years to come."
The church is running a competition to find names for the new hall and meeting rooms. Entries must be submitted in writing to Rev Cockett by Easter Sunday.
For more information call 01277 658055
Published Tuesday, March 12, 2002
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