Cedar Grove Baptist Church

J&S Construction was contracted in June 2015 to design this new 7,072 square-foot church facility for Cedar Grove Baptist Church, located in rural Wilson County about five miles north of Lebanon, Tenn. Cedar Grove Baptist Church, constituted in 1813, is considered one of the oldest Southern Baptist congregations in Wilson County. The church lost its 200-year-old historical facility in a devastating fire in February 2014.

The congregation averages about 70-80 in attendance on Sundays and was forced to meet in various locations including a barn, Walter J. Baird Middle School in Lebanon on Sunday mornings, and a parsonage on the church property for evening services on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Unlike the old building, the new church is one level and includes a concrete slab on grade foundation with a pre-engineered metal building shell, featuring a drive under canopy with steeple.

Interior spaces include seating for approximately 200 people, a worship area (with baptistery), fellowship hall, classrooms, foyer and Pastor’s office. J&S Construction also incorporated elements of the old church into the new facility by reproducing the steeple and entry way.

As one might imagine, having to start over with a new structure after the long history of a 200-year-old facility was met with mixed emotions. It was important to hear the desires of the church, but also important for J&S Construction to help the church integrate design ideas that promote future church growth. In the end, Cedar Grove Baptist Church voted on the final design with unanimous approval.

“J&S Construction built our facility like they were building for themselves,” said Bob Byrd, Cedar Grove Baptist Church building committee chairperson. “I cannot think of a better compliment.”

The new sanctuary was completed May 2016, under budget and ahead of schedule.