The new sanctuary sits on 28 acres across the street from the church's former home. It's never easy having to say good-bye.

Especially when it's a church, holding a special place in people's hearts due to being the location of baptisms, weddings and the funerals of loved ones.

Spending the past several decades worshipping under the same roof, the Cherokee Creek Baptist Church family recently celebrated the final service in its old sanctuary located just off of Buck Shoals Road on Highway 11.

"Yes, it's definitely sad because of all the history within the walls of the old church," said Jonna Turner, a member of the church. "It's a place where infants were dedicated, later went to the altar to accept Christ in their hearts, baptized, married, had their own children dedicated here and were here to see the funerals of loved ones.

"It's sad to move, but all those memories aren't really about the building at all, which is simply made of brick and mortar. The people are the church, and that's what is important to the families attending Cherokee Creek."

However, when one door closes, usually there is another gaping wide and ripe with opportunity.

Established in 1879 by farmers living in a sparsely populated area of the Upstate, Cherokee Creek Baptist Church now has more than 500 members. However, after breaking ground on a new sanctuary more than two years ago, it became obvious the church was anticipating more people joining the fold.

"God is counting on us to be His ambassadors ... we are going to be a permanent witness to the people of this community," Cherokee Creek Baptist Church Pastor Mike Frazier said during the groundbreaking ceremony. "This is an exciting time for our church family and for our community. ... I just want to thank everyone who has made this day possible by their faithfulness."

Those years of prayer and planning have finally been rewarded, as the church prepares to dedicate

its new sanctuary Sunday. The new building,

which is approximately 30,000 square feet, can accommodate up to 900 worshipers.

"The church family is very excited and has been for quite some time to see and experience God's power," Turner said. "This building is simply a way to provide more room for those to come and know Christ who don't and to provide people a church family for those who don't have one, where previously the space was limited."

The new sanctuary sits on 28 acres of land across the street from the church's former home, which will be torn down to add much-needed

space to the church cemetery, currently located behind the building.

Services will begin Aug. 30 at 3 p.m. All are invited.

For more information, call the church at (864) 488-8203.