What an important testament of faith in Columbia's future the downtown churches are making! It would appear to be a united effort. In fact it is a coincidence that three denominations are so energized at the same time.

Rev. Terry White of the Columbia Christian Church says that they already have $41,000 of a $200,000 goal for the start of a new office and recreational building at the corner of Lindsey Wilson and Campbellsville Streets. "When $100,000 is raised, we'll likely go ahead with having the elevations and models produced.

The total cost of the project is expected to be in the $800,000 to $1,000,000 level.

The Columbia United Methodist Church on Burkesville Street has added to the church property twice, gaining possession of three pieces of property: The Morris Epperson residence, the Allen Walker house, and the Alta Coomer property, the latter two purchased this year.

At Columbia Baptist Church, over $137,000 has been pledged for the next three years in the church's "Celebrate the Sacrifice" campaign.

That money will pay for all but one of the church's immediate goals. That one, an elevator for the education building, will be funded before the three year period is gone, pastor Rev. Mike O'Neal trusts.

"As the money comes in, we'll do projects," Rev. O'Neal said.

The plans include new carpet for the front steps, re-covering the protective covers on the stain glass windows so that their beauty can be seen on the outside again; painting the columns on the Greek Revival building; replacing windows on the second and third floors of the education building, some painting and plaster repair in the sanctuary, and renovation of the "Zion Room," or church parlor.

Rev. O'Neal echoed a sentiment which runs through all the churches, The improvements are wonderful, but it is the spiritual aspect which is more important. Working on these goals, we've been revived as church."

An upshot? Columbia Baptist Church is now overcrowded at 10:30 a.m. services. This summer, 8:30 a.m. Sunday services will added.