Rise Up and Build
A place for Whittemore to gather, heal, and grow: a new community center and gym for our area.
A place Whittemore doesn't have yet
Our area has few places for young people to play, for neighbors to share a meal, or for people in recovery to find support. Whittemore Baptist Church is building one, and we plan to open it to our community.
Planned community uses
- Open gym and youth recreation in a full-size multipurpose room
- Community meals from a new kitchen, and a warm place to gather in winter
- Recovery support, including our Bridge to Recovery ministry
- Meeting space for local groups, classes, and events
And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.Nehemiah 2:18
What we're building
About 10,600 square feet of new space, added to our church on N. Bullock St.
- A multipurpose room and gym, 90 by 60 feet
- A kitchen for community meals
- Four classrooms and meeting rooms
- Accessible restrooms and a new main entrance
Take the walkthrough
A short video tour of the planned building, inside and out.
The plan
This first phase costs about $1.15 million. Our church family is carrying the largest share, and we are inviting the community to join us. Community gifts go to this first phase: the gym, kitchen, classrooms, and entrance.
Timeline
- March 2027Church family pledges
- 2027Community and partner campaign
- January 2028Final decision to build
- Spring 2028Groundbreaking (target)
How you can help
Give. A one-time gift or a monthly pledge, online or by check. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Sponsor a space. Businesses and families can name a room in honor or memory of someone.
| Multipurpose room and gym | $100,000 |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | $35,000 |
| Main entrance and foyer | $25,000 |
| Classroom (four available) | $15,000 each |
| Plaque on the donor wall | $500 to $1,000 |
Donate materials or services. Contractors, suppliers, and trades can lower the cost directly with donated materials or work.
Spread the word. Share this page or our community brochure (PDF) with someone who cares about Whittemore.
Let's build this together
We'd welcome the chance to talk with you about a gift, a sponsorship, or donated materials and services. Call Pastor O'Brien at (989) 756-3382, or mail checks payable to Whittemore Baptist Church, memo "Building Fund," to PO Box 130, Whittemore, MI 48770.