Cape church growing by 72,000 square feet

Christ Church of the Heartland is preparing to break ground on a 72,000-square-foot addition Sunday. The addition will expand the church to more than five times its present size and allow it to seat more than 2,000 people for services.

The congregation, which now numbers approximately 550 people, meets at a 720 Bertling St. facility that is "bursting at the seams," said pastor Zach Strong.

"We're a growing church, and I'm confident we will continue to be that way. That's the reason we're building this. We fully expect more people to join," Strong said.

The plans call for what church leaders are calling a "high-tech sanctuary," with advanced sound systems, stage lights and space for performances. There will be a 1,500-seat main auditorium, a converted auditorium for teens with a capacity of 500, and a children's auditorium that will seat 400. Plans also call for a cafe, a library, classrooms and a day-care center.

The project is expected to take 18 months to complete.

Strong says his church is responding to a demand not only from Cape Girardeau, but also from people in Marion, Ill., Dexter, Mo., and even Kentucky who make weekly trips to the church.

"We're about building believers and changing lives. What I believe is, there is a generation that is hungry for God, and our church offers that," Strong said.

Some neighbors, though, are not eager to see the church expand. They complain that the church never consulted them about the expansion. "My only comment is I think that's not very Christian or very neighborly not to notify your neighbors," said Don Jung, who lives across the street on Sylvan Lane.

Jung added that the church's weekly services do not appear to have sufficient attendance to necessitate the proposed expansion.

The addition plans are under review by city inspection services. A representative from Penzel Construction, which was awarded the contract, said he expects approval for the plans "any day now." The church is not subject to a public hearing before city officials because it is simply adding onto the existing structure. The expansion will wrap around the building already there.

Strong said his church has followed all city guidelines.

"We have enough property to do it, and this is something that I feel will benefit the greater community," he said. "We did check with the city to see if there was a need to notify neighbors, and they said we did not have to do it. We're not here to be a distraction or disturb our neighbors. We hope our presence will make them feel more secure and safe."

Strong said he expects there will be times after the expansion when on-site parking fills up and congregants will be forced to park in surrounding neighborhoods.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245