Lutheran Redeemer Church is set to rise again on the same site where the original parish was built in 1957.

Pastor Phil Washeim said the old building had long passed its best before due date and was in need of constant costly repairs, including the need for a new roof.

B次元官网网址淚t made more sense to plan for a new building,B次元官网网址� Washeim said.

The last service was held in January 2012, and plans for the new church began in earnest.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e absolutely thrilled to be at this point,B次元官网网址� Washeim said. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e really looking forward to completing this long journey.B次元官网网址�

Members of the congregation held a solemn ceremony on Monday to bless the site and break ground for the new church, which will be built at the corner of Jenkins Avenue and Jacklin Road in Langford. Work is expected to begin within the next two months, and the $2 million project should be completed within 18 months.

Washeim said it will include an elevator which will make it easier for members of the congregation with mobility issues to attend.

Residents of the adjacent seniors facility slated for the same location will also have access to the elevator, which may help boost the number of people attending services, added Washeim.

The church and seniors care facility are being built under the direction of Cherish Living Group.

The congregation currently has about 50 members. But the new church will be able to accommodate about 100 people.

The hope is that attendance will increase when the project is completed, said Howard Blair, president of Redeemer Lutheran and chair of the building committee. B次元官网网址淎 strong group of people had a goal and itB次元官网网址檚 been a great journey,B次元官网网址� Blair said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 an exciting time for our congregation.B次元官网网址�

Washeim said the multi-generational congregation has a long-established history in Langford and strives to make a positive difference in the community by supporting and assisting people of all ages, whatever their background. B次元官网网址淔rom my perspective, thereB次元官网网址檚 much more to a church than simply being a place of worship on Sundays,B次元官网网址� he added.

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com