The huge new million dollar church building on Gilmour Street in Kelso has been catching everyone’s eye since construction started just over 12 months ago.

Pastor Rob Hefren said the huge church was built to house more than the 200 who currently worship at the church because future growth was expected.

“Obviously it’s much more noticeable now and we’re in the middle of the growth area of Bathurst,” he said.

“There’s no use in building the church for what we need now. If we did that we wouldn’t have moved.”

The cost of the land and building add up to about $1.5 million which the church was able to pay off through the sale of its old building in the Kelso industrial estate and a small loan.

The building is built on flood plains but Mr Hefren said the land had been built up one metre higher than the levy banks.

“No doubt everyone in Bathurst saw the truckloads of dirt that was delivered to raise the land,” Mr Hefren said.

Christian Life Centre had been meeting in the Kelso Public School hall while the new building was being constructed and their first service in the new building is June 14.

Mr Hefren said he could not wait.

“We are looking forward to it. It’s been a 10 year vision and the end of those 10 years is definitely better than the start,” Mr Hefren said.

The new building will have a carpark out the front with a drive through drop off undercover area for weddings and wet weather.

Inside the front doors is a bright foyer with huge glass windows which leads into the main auditorium.

There is a raised area at the back of the room for sound and lighting, a hall for the youth group and a cry room with a glass window facing the stage. The cry room is designed for mothers with young children who need to leave the service but still want to see what is happening.

The most striking feature of the building is the massive dining room connected to the auditorium. Mr Hefren said fellowship was an important part of the church and the eating area emphasised that.

“We believe fellowship and making friends is such an important part of the church. It [the dining room] will be for socialising before and after services,” he said.

The official opening of the church is Saturday, June 14 from 10am to 4pm

There will be activities for the kids, a jumping castle, displays, sausage sizzles and more.

At 6pm there will be an opening service with guest speakers, music and supper. Regular services will begin the next morning at 10am and 6pm.