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Sisters, Oregon
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Episcopal Church expanding
By Conrad Weiler

Dick Kellogg reviews expansion plans.

The Sisters Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration is set to double in size.

Dick Kellogg, an architect and planner, has taken on responsibility for guiding the group planning a new addition at the church's present location on Brooks Camp Road.

"I wanted to contribute to the Church," said Kellogg, chairman of the Architecture and Building Committee at the church.

Initial planning started three years ago and a capital campaign, started two years ago, raised $625,000 for the project.

Groundbreaking for the expansion is planned for spring 2002 with completion of the project by year's end.

David Clemens, who built the existing 4,500 square foot church building 15 years ago, will be builder for the new 5,000 square foot addition. An attractive, enclosed, connecting walkway will link both units.

Tom Deatherage of Bend is architect for the project.

"Our church has increased attendance and our present facilities needed updating," said pastor Larry Harrelson. "The present building basement has a small meeting hall and restroom facilities that are difficult for handicapped people to reach. Also, offices in the basement offer no views for people working there.

"All of these concerns will be vastly improved in the new addition," he said.

"We like calling our meeting room the 'Community Hall' because it is an outreach to the community. AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meets here as well as other groups," said Harrelson.

The new wing will contain a larger community room, new kitchen, new restrooms and offices at ground level. The older basement component will be used for youth programs, a Sunday school nursery and additional staff quarters.

The pastor expressed appreciation for Kellogg's skills and efforts.

"He's been a godsend for the building project," said Harrelson.

Kellogg has an executive committee composed of Tom Fish, Frank Guthrie and himself.

Sisters Episcopal Church has about 250 members that meet in two services. An ecumenical service meets at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday followed by an Episcopal worship service at 10:15 a.m.

"The ecumenical service is for people who do not have a local denominational church in Sisters, such as Methodists, Presbyterians and others," said Harrelson.

Harrelson is a reserve Army National Guard Chaplain and has ministered to people of many denominations.

"I feel comfortable with an ecumenical service because of my background," he said.

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