FREDONIA, N.Y. -- Family Church in Fredonia opened its new doors today inside the old First Baptist building Sunday. The congregation had outgrown its former location on Lakeview Avenue in the village, which used to be an old burnt-out factory.
"It is super amazing. We live in age where most Churches are dwindling, ours are thriving," said Michael Lokietek, Family Church Senior Pastor.
There are currently 11 Family Churches across the region, as Church leaders had been looking for a larger building in the village for about twenty years. They've been raising funds toward a new building since 2008, and have spent the last year on a million dollar top to bottom renovation that includes the first-ever use of pews.
"To be financially solid as a Church. We believe in God's principles of giving and God's people are blessed and we're able to undertake this type of endeavor," said Lokietek.
"I needed a change in my life. I wasn't growing, learning and then I came across this Church," said Jhensen Rivera, Fredonia Resident.
Jhensen Rivera has been a parishioner for a little more than a year. He says the Church has been a life-changing experience and welcomes his new surroundings.
"It's amazing to see God's promises coming to pass. Things that were told and things that were said to come to pass, it's good to see it happen," said Rivera.
"I've been waiting for it for a very long time. I have a Catholic background. I think the old school element and the morals has been lost in this world. And we're trying to bring it all back," said Ranae Leinenbach, Fredonia Resident
Church leaders are now working with the village to help restore the clock atop the building.