More than 150 volunteers came from as far as the United States to carry out renovations to Waimate’s Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall recently.
The $276,000 project took 13 weeks to complete.
It included a new roof and a fresh coat of paint to both the exterior and interior.
Inside, new air conditioning and sound systems were installed and more seating was added to bring the capacity of the hall up to 50 individuals.
Volunteers came from throughout New Zealand with several members from Auckland and Rotorua down for the project.
Some individuals also came from as far as Rarotonga and the US to lend a hand.
Project manager Bryce Bines, who spends his time travelling around New Zealand helping with volunteer projects alongside his wife, Charlotte, said he was grateful for all the help.
‘‘We really appreciated the support from the local community and help from so many volunteers.
‘‘Being able to upgrade the hall was an absolute pleasure.’’
The kingdom hall has been a local fixture in Waimate for over 50 years, originally opening in 1974.
It is located in Leonard St, and is home to a small congregation of 24 members, hosting two weekly meetings, on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening.
The first meeting in the newly-refurbished kingdom hall was held on June 1. — APL
