
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 18, 1995                   TAG: 9505190014
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: W12   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: FRANCES STEBBINS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

WEST SALEM BAPTIST TO MOVE NEAR BAPTIST CHILDREN'S HOME

The congregation of West Salem Baptist Church has voted to move from its present site at 500 Turner Road to a 17-acre tract that belongs to Virginia Baptist Children's Home and Family Services on the north side of the city.

The Rev. Michael Slaughter, pastor for the past 15 years, said the relocation will provide for expected growth into the 21st century. He estimated that it will take about three years to accomplish the move.

The church has entered into contract with the home to acquire the land in September. A special service with a financial rally is planned for 10:30 a.m. June 4 at Salem High School. Slaughter said its goal will be to receive pledges for the $380,000 needed to buy the property on Red Lane Extension.

Once the land is paid for, the church will proceed with plans to erect a worship center to seat 1,000 and offer Christian education in 40 classrooms. The first building, Slaughter said, also will provide for offices and a child development center.

Total cost will be about $3 million. About 800 now attend worship in three weekend services in the western residential area of the city.

"We simply could not find any other ways to provide for the kind of growth we're experiencing," Slaughter said. The current property of 4 1/2 acres does not allow for the parking or attractive surroundings a large church must have, he added.

Slaughter pointed out that West Salem Baptist, one of five Southern Baptist congregations in Salem, dates from about 42 years ago. It has been on Turner Road since 1966. The present building will be offered for sale.

by CNB