From the Ground Up: First Baptist Church of Willard addition

Owner/developer: First Baptist Church of Willard
General contractor: Rich Kramer Construction Inc.
Architect: Godwin & Associates Architects & Engineers Inc.
Engineers: Godwin & Associates Architects & Engineers, civil; Godwin & Associates Architects & Engineers, structural; and Building Systems Design Group LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 7,100 square feet
Estimated cost: $1.2 million
Lender: Missouri Baptist Foundation/Oklahoma Baptist Foundation
Estimated completion: May
Project description: First Baptist Church of Willard is adding classrooms and a new entryway to its existing building. Lead Pastor Dennis Gromer said the Phase I project was in the plans for a few years, during which the congregation raised half of the estimated cost. The remainder is funded by a loan through the Missouri Baptist Foundation in partnership with the Oklahoma foundation. “We secured a very reasonable loan at a very reasonable rate,” Gromer said of the 4.75 percent interest over a 20-year term. “Compared to the local banks, it was about 5.5 percent. And we don’t have to go through the title company for disbursements, which saves another 1-2 percent.” Gromer said the church, which averages 250 people for Sunday services, is planning a new sanctuary during a later capital campaign. First Baptist Church of Willard was founded 130 years ago.