Vestal Church Prepares to Build New Facilities

The Grace Lutheran Church property in Vestal as it appeared in May 2016. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

A major rebuilding project is moving forward at a Vestal church following a devastating fire.

Worship services have been held at a nearby Vestal church since the fire. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

Construction is about to get underway on the Grace Lutheran Church and Pre-School facilities at 709 Main Street.

A groundbreaking celebration has been scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m.

Reverend Dr. Andrew Watkins, the church pastor, said the congregation is excited that the work on the project is about to begin.

A fast-moving blaze tore through the church's main building in May of last year. The church's fellowship hall and education building sustained heavy damage as a result of the fire.

Sunday services have been held at Memorial Park Baptist Church on Front Street in Vestal.

The Grace Lutheran Church was organized in 1950. The church moved to its Main Street site in 1956.

The new church will be constructed by Peter A. Rotella Corporation of Endwell.

Watkins said the contractor hopes to get the foundation for the new church in place before winter. He said the goal is to have the new facilities ready for use sometime next summer.

LISTEN to more about the rebuilding plans of Grace Lutheran Church when Reverend Dr. Andrew Watkins appears on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Wednesday, November 30 at 9:30 a.m.

The Grace Lutheran Church main building as it appeared following a fire in May 2015. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.