Volunteers to build new hall in four days

Between 7 a.m. today and Sunday night, a new Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses will rise at 1150 S. Silver Springs Road in Cape Girardeau.

The building will host a relatively small congregation of 100, according to elder Earl Norman.

It will replace a hall built in Scott City more than decade ago. That building was sold to the Scott City government as a new home for city hall.

On Tuesday, Norman stood with volunteer contractors on the land as equipment and building materials were organized for a four-day marathon build.

"We're using Kelso Supply, Lowe's and others in the immediate area."

Licensed contractors who belong to various halls throughout Missouri are donating their services.

Union, Mo., builder Mark Kite, a carpenter by trade and longtime church volunteer, will supervise construction. Each state has one or more regional construction committees dedicated to church building.

"It's also real effective for some of the disasters and relief work," he said. "They use the same committees. We've worked on the Flood of '93, Hurricane Katrina relief and hurricanes in Florida."

Some contractors work in harmonious groups, while others work in tag-team projects. All are intent on completing brick work, drywall, electric, plumbing and roofing by Sunday. Carpeting will be installed Dec. 8.

Norman will be on hand for the professionals to "jump in and help" where necessary, he said. "Basically we're there to extend their skills."

He expects to see between 400 and 500 people turn out for the construction.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127