The church is a body of Christians, but that body is housed in a building to meet, to worship. When the body of Christians outgrows its building, expansion generally occurs.

This happened at Elkdale Baptist Church recently. The Osburn Fellowship Hall underwent an expansion to create more space, a commercial kitchen, renovate classrooms and update bathrooms, the Rev. Cory Horton said.

The fellowship hall became one portion of the project. The other consisted of renovating and enlarging classrooms for the preschoolers, from the nursery to 5-year-olds.

Elkdale will dedicate its renovated and expanded areas Sunday, Feb. 6, at 10:30 a.m.

After the dedication, the church will hold a communitywide open house from 1:30 until 3 p.m.

“We are going to use this facility for the glory of God,” the pastor said.

The $1 million renovation began in July 2010.

Horton said this is the first of a two-phase renovation of the church. The next phase will see upgrades to the church’s administrative offices, a new choir facility and a new entrance to the sanctuary.