First Baptist Church in Waterloo has announced a partnership with Builders For Christ for renovation of the former Canterbury Manor Nursing Home building at 718 North Market Street.

The church purchased the former nursing home in October after it ceased operations.

The new facility will be known as First Baptist Beacon. A group of around 40 volunteers began interior demolition work Saturday, removing interior walls and ceilings.

David Batts, chairman of the church’s building committee, revealed that the project will include an overall “shell-in” of the building to provide a raised roof structure; installation of a central HVAC system; a refreshed kitchen and dining room that doubles as a gathering space with a stage for large group activities; and an update of the northern wing to become a youth center.

Builders For Christ helped the church in 1997 during construction of its original building at 320 Covington Drive.

“We welcome the Builders organization back to work on this project,” FBC Senior Pastor Steve Neill said. “…This presence on Market Street gives us a more accessible place to put our outreach activities. This truly gives us a sense of blessings and miracles as we gain such a vibrant space for youth and children activities and for additional education and fellowship space. Thanks to the Builders’ leadership team, we truly see this as a ‘Miracle on Market Street.’”

There are three national teams within BFC that each seek, interview, and select one project for a building season, typically starting mid-May through mid-August of each year. These volunteer teams rotate on a weekly basis and provide resources and labor by performing major components of a building project.  Teams are generally comprised of 60 to 125 volunteers each week and come with a wide background of expertise.

Other key persons for the project include Daryl Skaer, DS Homes as General Contractor; Steve Wright leading the financial planners; and Lisa Dean and Kris Hoggard leading the Logistics Planning Team.