In the fall of 1969, there was a need to remodel the building, but the church did not have the funds to do so. However, that year the church had a small electrical fire which caused some minor damages to the church, and the insurance company paid enough money to Bible Way that we were able to lower ceiling panels in the building. Deacon Carey extended the pulpit area, made a communion table and two altars. The church raised enough money to purchase padded pews and pulpit furniture.
Numerically the membership was always on the increase until we outgrew our small church. In the early seventies we began to look for a larger building, we couldn't find a building large enough so we decided to build where we were.
Thus we began the process of purchasing property in the neighorhood around the church. We purchased four pieces of property on the North side of the church, one on the South side, two lots on Oakley Avenue, We also purchased the Garland building (the green building as we call it) Scotty's Carry Out on Sullivant, the American Legions Building (Mary Wilson Hall), a lot on Highland Avenue, and two lots at 438 S. Wheatland Avenue (the Herman House).
After the properties were purchased and the funds raised, the architect was chosen and a model of the new church was made. The late Elder Herman Partridge began the construction of the new building.
The first service was held in the incomplete lower auditorium on Christmas Eve 1979. It was so cold we used big kerosene heaters to heat the place. In May 1980, we had our first Sunday Morning Service in the new Sanctuary.
In 2007, we stated started a church renovation projection, this project included upgrading both upper and lower interior plumbing, installed new carpeting through out the building, painting both basement and the sanctuary, plus installing new seats in the sancturary. In 2008, we placed gravel on the two lots located at 438 S. Wheatland Avenue, and we paved the church parking lots.
There are many individuals that we could mention who have been responsible for the growth and development of the Bible Way Church. We have to say thank you to the late Herman Partride for his labor, the late Sister Knight for her dedication and work with the Sunday School Department, and Deacon Carey for his financial guidance and leadership. There are so many we could thank that the space would not allow us to list their names. Thank you Bible Way members for your contributions and labors of loves for our continued growth.
Through each year God has miraculously blessed us. Spiritually we have enjoyed a continual revival and have recognized that it was none other than the hand and of God leading us.