The congregation at New Ebenezer Baptist Church in northern Crenshaw County isn't the only thing growing.

Its sanctuary is as well.

Over the past two months, the sounds of bulldozers and hammers have flooded the church grounds as crews have vigorously worked to construct a 240-seat sanctuary to help house its membership, which continues to grow and fill its pews.

"We're growing in numbers and we're thankful for that especially the young families," Bro. William Leverett said.

New Ebenezer's current sanctuary only seats 100 worshippers. Leverett said the new addition would not only help seat all its members comfortably, but also provide services in which the old sanctuary could not.

"It will have a baptistery, which our church hasn't had before," Leverett said.

When complete, the project will have cost a total of $300,000. Fortunately for New Ebenezer Baptist Church members much of the funds and labor to construct the new facility were donated.

"We've had the benefit of the Partners for Christ coming in and assembling the building for us and then another group came in and hung the sheet rock," Leverett said. "We also received a gift of used pews, enough to adequately furnish the new building, from Bethel Baptist Church in Dora. South Luverne Baptist Church also donated us its used stipple and we've received numerous contributions from individuals as well as neighboring churches."

Many of the neighboring churches helped feed members of Partners for Christ while they worked at the church.

"We appreciate everyone's help," Leverett said.

Leverett believes approximately $100,000 of the cost of the project has been donated, which he said is a blessing.

The tentative date for the addition to be completed is Thanksgiving, but Leverett said the sanctuary would definitely be complete by the first of the year.

"We're very anxious to get in the sanctuary for worship and

to have the room to accommodate visitors and associational gatherings," he said.

Even though the church is already bursting at the seams it's never going to be too large for Leverett. He encourages growth.

"I extend a personal invitation for anyone to visit us and see what the Lord is doing for us," he said.