Cliffwood Church Breaks Ground on New Sanctuary

Sunday marked the end of a 25 year journey for the Providence Baptist Church in Cliffwood, as the congregation gathered to break ground for their new sanctuary and fellowship hall.

About 40 parishioners, as well as township and church dignitaries, attended the ceremony at the property connected to the undeveloped paper street known as Pauls Place. The property, only just down the street from their little white church on Kennedy Avenue, will become a fellowship hall and a sanctuary. 

Assistant Pastor Kenneth McGhee, who has been with the Providence Baptist Church for 18 years, is most excited about the ability to seat 300 people in the pews for services. The present church the congregation worships in seats 125.

"It's going to be great for the community. It's been 25 years in the making and 25 years is a lot of time but it is going to be positive for the neighbors and the community," he said.

Deputy Mayor Maraget Montone attributed the success of the project to the dedication, leadership and hard work of Dr. Reverend Amelda Lee and her congregation. 

“I feel like that in a way I might have played a small part in this ground breaking ceremony today,” Montone said, who sits on the Township Zoning Board and approved the church's plans last year.

“At that time I thought to myself, 'Gee I wonder how long it's going to take before I see a shovel in the ground,' and boy have you surprised me,” she said, congratulating the congregation on their successful work. “I cannot wait to be sitting in the pews when you have your first ceremony and service.”

The new building is expected to be completed within six months and will be celebrated with a marching in ceremony.

Read more about the Providence Baptist Church's project here.