The Portland church building was compl eted
and dedicated in May 1984. It was constructed primarily
by volunteer skilled laborers, who are members of the Apostolic Faith congregation in
Portland. Its 53,000 square feet houses a narthex, main
sanctuary with seating
for approximately 1,000 people, three Sunday school departments,
a nursery, music room, baptistry, library, kitchen, activity
area, prayer room, and youth chapel.
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The 120-foot steeple on the top
of the church building depicts eight of the important tenets of
Bible doctrine: Creation, Calvary (salvation), heart purity (sanctification)
the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the inspiration of Holy Scripture,
the torch of truth, the cross and crown for believers, and Christ’s
imminent return to earth.
Inside the front door, a narthex provides a place
to welcome visitors and mingle. Display racks on both sides of
this area feature
a selection of the free religious publications printed by this
organization. Restrooms are located in the hallways branching off
from the narthex area; coat racks are provided in the hallways
for the convenience of those attending.
Sunday school classrooms, mothers’ rooms
with a glass window looking into the main sanctuary area, the activity
area, kitchen, music room, and library are all accessible from
the hallway that encircles the sanctuary. On the east side of the
building, a youth chapel constructed with the same shape and roofline
as the main structure provides a facility for smaller services.
The Beginners Sunday school department, for children
ages two through kindergarten, is located on the west side of the
building. The
Primary Department, located on the second floor, can be reached
from a stairway at the back of the church; children from first
through third grades meet in this area. Up the same stairway, to
the right, the Junior Department location has classrooms and an
assembly area for children in grades four through seven. Eighth
grade, high school, college age, and adult Sunday school classes
are held in the classrooms surrounding the sanctuary on the main
floor.
Drive-through areas extend into the parking lots
on each side of the building, providing a sheltered area for people
to unload passengers. Handicapped parking is available near each
entry area.
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