Community leaders celebrated the final stages of a major achievement on Thursday as Hope City Church cut the ribbon on its new C Street location. Located in the old T&D Furniture building, the church hopes to connect with the community, provide an area where people can come together and foster faith in Meridian and Lauderdale County.
“This building is a part of what our vision is as a church. For most it’s just a building. For us it’s a part of revitalization, it’s a part of redemption,” said Lead Pastor Josh Lafferty. “So, what we’ve seen the Lord do through this, we’re seeing him do in our lives.”
With the building vacant for almost a decade, the church took on extensive renovations to transform the large open showroom into a worship facility with an auditorium, kids’ area, office space and more.
Meridian Chief Administrative Officer Craig Hitt said he was working in the city’s Community Development department when Lafferty first broached the idea and recalls wondering at the amount of work needing to be done. The church, however, got it done, and turned an eyesore into a beautiful facility.
“We thank you again for taking this building and bringing it back to life, and we thank you for what you’re going to do for your ministry and the life of this community going forward,” he said.
Matt Schanrock, with the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, said the chamber of commerce is glad to welcome Hope City Church to the community. With its position to downtown and ability to hold a large number of people, he said there could be potential opportunities to hold events and meetings there as well.
Started in 2020, Hope City Church has bounced around a number of locations as it searched for a permeant home, Lafferty said. With the new facility, that home has been found.
“And so, thank you to all of the people who have helped make this happen. Thank you city of Meridian, EMBDC, all of you guys for just helping us get here,” he said. “It’s been an incredible honor, incredible journey, and we’re looking forward to this next chapter.”