By Carla Kolbe

Express Editor

MAYFIELD — It is a time to rebuild, as the Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church groundbreaking is scheduled for this Sunday at 11 a.m. on the site the where the previous structure stood for nearly 200 years.

The church was struck by lightning April 28, 2011, and burned to the ground.

The congregation led by the Rev. Bonnie Orth meets in the Mayfield High School auditorium Sunday mornings for services since the fire. This Sunday will mark the next phase in the church’s history.

Architect Jim Hundt of Foresight Architects in Schenectady was present at a June church service to unveil the new design.

The new design, agreed upon by the committee in charge, was based upon two principles: “Enter as Strangers, Leave as Friends” and “Bent not Broken.”

After considering all the wants of the church community, and measuring them against the needs, while trying to stay within a budget, a one-story plan was developed. The project is projected to cost $1.3 million.

The 7,444-square-foot structure will include the church sanctuary, children’s room, a fellowship hall, offices, classrooms, a food pantry, conference room, kitchen, choir room, ample closet space, restrooms and an attic.

The sanctuary will have 16-foot walls, featuring two stained glass windows able to be salvaged and repaired from the fire, and can comfortably seat a number of parishioners.

Endless detail was given to the exact needs of the church and its presentation to the congregation from the altar. Folding windows separate the fellowship hall from the sanctuary, but can be removed to allow for more seating to accommodate larger church events and concerts.

Keeping in mind the thread that binds and the fact the Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church is a strong quilting church, the idea of quilts was used and expected to bring in design and help muffle noise as they hang on the new church walls.

A luncheon was held following the presentation where architect Jim Hundt and the design committee could be asked more specific questions.