The 50th Anniversary of the Sanctuary and the Groundbreaking for the Christian Life Center was a fantastic celebration.

As part of the Groundbreaking Ceremony where more than 20 people each turned over a spade of soil, Dr. Bill Ritter donned a hard hat and climbed on a back hoe to turn a bucket of soil himself. After the Groundbreaking ceremony more than 600 church members were treated to a fine buffet luncheon. It was a very special day for all. For more information about the ceremony itself, see the order of worship.

You can click on each image below to see a larger version.

Dr. Bill Ritter kicks off the groundbreaking ceremony.

Bill Pettibone, Chairman of the Building Committee, turns the first spade of soil.

Ed and Sylvia Hagenlocker participate in the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Christian Life Center.

Bill Ritter complete with hard hat and back hoe turns a bucket of soil.

More than 20 people got to turn a spade full of soil in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Christian Life Center.

A tent with 3 buffet lines fed over 600 church members.

Tables were placed on the front lawn for all to enjoy the great food and a beautiful sunny day.

Jane Pettibone, Ku Adams, Kathy Dalton and Martha Jones sport dresses and hats from 50 years ago.

Betty Matick proves old fashioned hats can be fun.

Ed and Ku Adams celebrate the 50th anniversary of the church building in period clothes.

Dr. Ritter shows off the latest style in pastoral head-gear.

Taek and Jamie Kim enjoy the groundbreaking ceremony.

Kris and Julie Ritter display their fine hats.

Julie Ritter, Jane Pettibone, Ann Windley, Kris Ritter and Jamie Kim show 50 year old fashions look good even today.

Jane Pettibone, Christian Life Center architect Bob Powell and Nancy Keesee enjoy the festivities.

Julie Ritter dons her father's hard hat.