By KEVIN CHIRI

Publisher

RESERVE — The culmination of a 14-year dream for Reserve Christian Church began its walk towards completion on Monday at the church grounds here in Reserve, as a groundbreaking ceremony was held for construction of a new 42,000 square foot sanctuary building.

Pastor Rod Aguillard, who has headed the St. John church for 37 years, said that he will probably be completely stepping aside from his leadership role in the church by the time the building is finished in 14 months.

His son, Stephen Aguillard and his wife Laura, will complete what is already a process of taking over the pastorship of the church.

But on Monday, there were smiles all around as the groundbreaking was held for what is expected to be a $2.5 million facility.

The main sanctuary building will seat approximately 1,700, and there will be six nurseries, administrative offices, a large conference room, a House of Prayer, and even a public coffee shop on the bottom floor.

Almost every top public official in St. John Parish turned out for the event, making it clear that the respect for Aguillard and the work by Reserve Christian for many years has been an important part of the River Parish.

&#8220This is just a continuation of how important Pastor Rod and Reserve Church have been to St. John, and the way they have always been here to help the people of our parish,” Parish President Nickie Monica said. &#8220We really worked closely with them after Hurricane Katrina since

they were some of the first ones to our office wanting to help in any way they could. To see this building going up is just a continuation of the work they have done in our parish to help people.”

Aguillard calls the building the &#8220miracle in the swamp,” as he recalled the start long ago of Reserve Christian, which now houses a Christian school as well.

&#8220We’re building this to serve the community, and we’re building it for our sons and daughters,” he said. &#8220The Lord told me that if we would build it, he would fill it. We want this to be something to serve the whole community.”

Aguillard said he felt impressed by the Lord 14 years ago that he would one day build a large sanctuary.

&#8220I didn’t know it would take this long,” he said with a laugh.

&#8220But after Katrina, you can really see people turning to the Lord so we know this is the right timing.”