Expansion plans for Tulsa's First Baptist Church

One of Tulsa's oldest churches announces a multi-million dollar expansion plan. News on 6 anchor Terry Hood has the details. <br><br>About 500 people gathered at First Baptist Church in downtown

Monday, August 25th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

One of Tulsa's oldest churches announces a multi-million dollar expansion plan. News on 6 anchor Terry Hood has the details.

About 500 people gathered at First Baptist Church in downtown Tulsa Sunday night to discuss some major changes. They approved a $24-million construction plan and capital campaign.

They also voted to purchase a neighboring glass company for $800,000. That property could be used to build a new sanctuary that could seat up to 2,400 people.

But that all depends on how much money the church is able to raise. Church leaders plan to kick off a capital campaign for the project this fall. They say they will tackle the construction in phases, based on how much money comes in.

First Baptist Church was built in the 1920s and was last renovated in the 1960s. While the new plan calls for sweeping changes, the church is hanging on to its history. The current sanctuary would be renovated and used as a chapel. Pastor Deron Spoo, "there's big plans for Tulsa downtown in the future we plan to be a part of that we're a downtown church this is where God has planted us and here's where we're going to stay."

Pastor Spoo says if all goes according to plan, his congregation could double over the next decade.