Cumberland County Community Church recently celebrated the grand opening of its new multipurpose facility, welcoming a large gathering of church members, community leaders, local officials, and construction partners for an evening of celebration, dedication, and thanksgiving.
Among the distinguished guests were U.S. Congressman Jeff Van Drew, Millville Mayor Dan Dixon, and the entire Millville Board of Commissioners. Representatives from the local Chamber of Commerce and Millville Savings Bank were also in attendance, along with numerous contractors, craftsmen, and congregants who helped bring the project to completion.
The evening featured remarks from Congressman Van Drew, Mayor Dixon, and the church’s founding pastor, Sal Roggio, followed by recognition of the contractors and craftsmen whose work made the new facility possible. The celebration concluded with prayers of dedication, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, and tours of the building.
Founded in 1987, Cumberland County Community Church has spent nearly four decades ministering to families throughout Millville and the surrounding communities. The new addition represents another significant chapter in the church’s history, one that began with a vision for a gymnasium more than 25 years ago.
That vision took an unexpected turn in May 2023, when a fire caused significant damage to the church’s original sanctuary and Family Life Center. What initially began as a need to recover and rebuild soon became an opportunity to expand the church’s ministry. After navigating the challenges of insurance, planning, and construction, church leadership moved forward with a new multipurpose facility designed not only to replace lost gathering space, but also to provide a gymnasium, expanded fellowship areas, and new opportunities for youth programs, family activities, and community outreach.
The completed addition includes a spacious gymnasium designed for sports, recreation, youth ministry, and community activities, as well as a large gathering hall intended to encourage fellowship, family connections, and opportunities for ministry.
During the celebration, Head Pastor Sam Rempel, emphasized that the significance of the new building extends well beyond its walls.
“The church has never been about brick and mortar. It’s always been about people,” Pastor Sam shared. “The goal was never just to build a gym. The goal is to reach people.”
Pastor Sam spoke about the importance of creating spaces where relationships can develop, young people can find encouragement, families can connect, and the community can gather.
He also expressed sincere appreciation for the generations of church members whose faithfulness, generosity, and service laid the foundation for this milestone, as well as the many contractors and craftsmen whose efforts helped turn a long-held vision into reality.
While final adjustments to the gymnasium floor and lighting are still being completed, the congregation looks forward to beginning to use much of the new facility in the weeks ahead.
For Cumberland County Community Church, the grand opening was both a celebration of the past and a commitment to the future.
“The most important work that will ever happen in this building is still ahead of us,” Pastor Sam reminded those gathered.
The church’s hope is that this new addition will serve as a welcoming place for the community and a lasting resource for sharing the love and message of Jesus Christ for generations to come.
