The Drumheller Community Church celebrated a milestone with its grand opening under a new banner.
Elim Pentecostal Tabernacle in Drumheller has been a fixture in the community for years, and for the last eight years, it has operated out of the former Central School Building in Downtown Drumheller. They have changed the name to Drumheller Community Church. Pastor Craig Randell says with the name change they are not changing affiliations.
“We are still associated with Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, nothing has changed, We just felt as a church Elim Pentecostal Tabernacle has a long history and people know it well. But for a lot of people, what does Elim really mean? What does tabernacle really mean?” he said. “I have been here one year and so many people have asked that question.”
“We wanted a name that was going to be community-based, we wanted a name that is going to speak to the community.”
The name is also reflective of the service that the church provides. In the last few years since taking over the former Central School, the church has done an extensive renovation and offers a number of community services and also has space for community groups, everything from dancing to TaeKwonDo.
“We have so many activities that happen in our building, we have daycare, Alberta Health Services, mental health drop-in and we rent space here. There is a lot going on here,” he said. We want the name to reflect what the church is about.”
The church held its grand opening on Saturday, May 4, and there were all kinds of activities for all, including fellowship, bouncy houses, kids games, and refreshments. Mayor Heather Colberg was on hand for the official ribbon cutting.
“We want to reach the community as a faith-based community,” said Pastor Randell.
