COTTON TREE, MARGIBI COUNTY, Liberia – The Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Samuel J. Quire Jr. has officially led ground breaking for the construction of a new Conference Hall valued at about US$25,000 at the headquarters of the Kakata-Farmington River District Conference.
Other Methodists who took part in the ground breaking ceremony were Paul K. Gartor, Samuel K. Karyeah, Arthur I. Grimes, Cllr. Dr. Theresa M. Davies, clergy, and church members.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held in Cotton Tree, Lower Margibi County, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church to strengthen its infrastructure and expand facilities for ministry, administration, and church gatherings.
Speaking during the ceremony, Bishop Quire described the project as an investment in the future of the Church, emphasizing that the facility will serve generations of United Methodists and provide a suitable venue for conferences, training programs, meetings, and other church-related activities.
“Today, we gather not merely to break ground for a building, but to lay a foundation for ministry, service, and the advancement of God’s Kingdom. This project represents a vision born in the hearts of God’s people and a commitment to serving future generations,” Bishop Quire said.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. As we embark upon this important undertaking, we acknowledge that our success depends not only on human effort but upon God’s guidance, provision, and blessing,” he said.
The Resident Bishop of the UNM noted that throughout the history of the Church, sacred spaces have served as centers of worship, fellowship, learning, and service.
“While buildings are important, their greatest value lies in the lives that will be transformed through the ministries that take place within them. As we break this ground today, we are planting more than concrete and steel; we are planting hope, faith, and opportunity for generations yet unborn. This facility will stand as a testament to our commitment to the mission of Jesus Christ.”
Bishop Quire further emphasized that the groundbreaking ceremony signifies more than the start of a construction project.
“This groundbreaking ceremony is not merely the start of a construction project; it is the beginning of a new chapter in our shared ministry, one that will strengthen the Church’s witness and service for years to come.”
Church leaders attending the event expressed optimism that the Conference Hall will enhance the work of the Church and create greater opportunities for fellowship, leadership development, and mission outreach across the Liberia Annual Conference.
For his part, Rev. Grimes disclosed that the facility will be named the Martha Lloyd Gartor Memorial Conference Hall.
“The late Mother Martha Lloyd Gartor was very influential and supportive in our district. She touched many lives and made positive contributions to the growth and development of the Church,” Rev. Grimes said.
He added that the Kakata-Farmington River District comprises five regions and has historically rotated its district conference sessions among various locations.
“We believe God has provided this opportunity for us to establish a permanent conference facility at our district headquarters. This is our vision and our plan for the future,” D S Grimes noted.
Construction of the facility is expected to commence immediately following the groundbreaking ceremony. Church officials are calling on members, friends, and partners to support the project through prayer and financial contributions.
Upon completion, the Conference Hall is expected to become one of the major facilities of the Liberia Annual Conference, serving as a central venue for key denominational events, leadership gatherings, training programs, and other church activities.