NorthPark Church, Meridian, Miss. Founded in 1956, the non-denominational Christian evangelical church has more than 400 members. J&J Contractors constructed the original facility, and when asked to develop a long-range growth plan for the church, Kenneth Joyner, CEO of J&J Contrac- tors looked to metal because, “metal was the most economical choice for this type structure.” Ceco Building Systems provided its architec-
tural standing seam roof system in Ceco Classic Green that covers the 19,000-square-foot addi- tion, which completed the 15-year growth plan. The plan began in 1999 with the relocation of the church to the northeast part of the city. The addi- tion also consists of 164 tons of steel and features a main sanctuary with smaller satellite buildings. The new facility consists of a sanctuary,
eight classrooms, two nurseries, cry room, four restrooms, storage area, chapel, choir practice room and music room. These new buildings were connected to the existing 22,000 square feet of buildings. During construction, the congregation held services in the multipurpose building. J&J Contractors designed and erected the facility. Ceco District Sales Manager Roger Shivers
explains the intricacy of the sanctuary, designed with fan-type seating. “This was a very complex project. It involved a high roof, a low roof and build- ings extending off the sanctuary.” Shivers notes, “There is not one square corner in the building.” The sanctuary roof height is 52 feet at the peak. One of the three large stained glass windows stands a lofty 30 feet high. A unique and somewhat diffi cult-to-construct
circle #21 on reader service card
aspect of the project was the construction of three large crosses on top of the sanctuary. The diffi culty was in the structural considerations because of the particular area where the crosses were located.
Another unique aspect of the new church is
the main entrance, according to Shivers. “It’s not a traditional front entrance. It’s a drive-through, and it’s built recessed into the connector between the old and new entrances.” “The work of J&J and Ceco has made our
church a spiritual center for our community,” com- ments Earl Wheatley Jr., senior pastor at North- Park Church. “The physical statement of our new structure reaches out to people all hours of the day and night.”
General contractor: J&J Contractors, Collinsville, Miss. Metal building system: Ceco Building Systems, Columbus, Miss., www.cecobuildings.com, Circle #44