Last summer, the Cedar City church celebrated the official grand opening of its new church building. In 2006, the congregation grew from 28 members to 56 — the only church in the Nevada-Utah Conference to double its size that year. In 2007, this still small congregation had the opportunity to purchase the old Jehovah Witness' Hall in town.

There is only a sanctuary, two bathrooms and a mother's room in the building, so an addition is clearly in the future. Sabbath school rooms and a fellowship hall will be added as funds are raised. To accommodate the many visitors who attended the grand opening event, the church set up a large canopy to shield attendees from the bright Utah sun.

The church overflowed with family and friends. Dan Walter, a retired missionary and church administrator who officiated over the program, and his wife, Dorothy, planned the event and served refreshments. Helen Myres, church treasurer, gave a brief summary of the church's history.

As a special token of their appreciation, the Cedar City church had a special "Adventist Oscar," fashioned in the likeness of the image in Daniel, created to present to those individuals and entities that made sacrificial offerings in the form of time, money, etc. Included were guest speakers Gerald Sherratt and Enoch Robert Rasmussen, Cedar City mayors; Pastor John Jaster of the Lutheran church (where the congregation met for a few years), and Nevada-Utah Conference President Bradford Newton.

"Many gave to make the purchase and the celebration a reality," said Pastor Bob Maehre, "and we are thankful for each and every one of them."