Christ Chapel opens Youth Center

By Greg ParrottChrist Chapel Community Church held its grand opening of it new 9,000 square foot youth center Wednesday, Feb. 1. Several hundred teenagers and parents celebrated the occasion.Christian rapper Mr. Versee headlined the evening along with Third Day lead guitarist Jason Hoard. The youth center was full of energetic teenagers as they sang along with the entertainment. Hamburgers and hot dogs were served by the many volunteers that made the event successful.The youth center has pool tables, air hockey, video games and a stage with a sound system to host many types of entertainment for the future. Youth pastor Kelly Kitchens was overwhelmed with the involvement.***************©The Pike County Journal Reporter/pikecountygeorgia.com: This information may not be reprinted, broadcast or distributed electronically in any form or fashion without express consent. For reprint permission, e-mail news@pikecountygeorgia.com.***************’This grand opening has exceeded my expectations with so many teenagers in attendance,’ said Kitchens. ‘Mr. Versee and Jason Hoard really got the energy flowing within the crowd. At the end of the evening a young man gave his life to Christ. All the hard work was worth it. Our staff and youth leaders put a lot into this building. This is a night I’ll never forget.’Lead pastor Billy Smith was amazed by the evening’s events as well.’We’re excited to offer such a unique experience to the teenagers of our community,’ said Smith. ‘Our new youth building can be used by the community for other events and we’ll gladly welcome all to our facilities. This is just the beginning of our outreach to do great things in our community.’Worship leader Scott Custer was absorbing all the energy as he watched the evening unfold.’I was thrilled by the crowd and participation of this grand opening,’ said Custer. ‘I couldn’t believe the amount of teens who showed up here. Great things are yet to come for Christ Chapel.’The transformation of the once Pike Feed and Seed took about two months to complete. Youth leaders T.J. and LeAnn Franklin were the driving force behind the renovation. They worked endless hours to make the building a place for the youth to call their own.Christ Chapel’s new offices will be housed in the building as well. The staff will have a conference room and individual offices to meet their needs as a growing church.Christ Chapel started in October 2003 with 12 people at Billy Smith’s house. The church now has about 1,000 people in attendance  as two services are held at 9 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. Sundays.The church sanctuary is being added on to as well. About 4,000 square feet will be ready by Easter so the Church can accommodate close to 2,000 worshipers for Easter services.