ROCKINGHAM — The Rev. Gary Richardson, CEO of the Place of Grace Rescue Mission, plans to break ground on an all-new permanent structure on the property of New Life Church where he is pastor.
“The groundbreaking ceremony will be Friday, Sept. 4 at 11 a.m.” Richardson said. “The new building will replace the facility on 559 Airport Road currently being used as transitional housing for the poor, homeless and downtrodden who are genuinely seeking a hand up.”
Richardson on Wednesday revealed the spot of ground leveled and prepared for the pouring of a foundation funded by state Sen. Tom McInnis and labor donated by Hawks Builders, saying that these businessmen of the community have been generous in getting the project off the ground.
“This place will house 16 men,” Richardson said. “We’re hoping to do as much as we can in this building, but we’re keeping it close to the church. We’re building it closer to the highway for visibility. What I envision is a campus. This building will be first, but it’s not fair to only have a place that can help men.
“Back behind where this one will be, we’ll build another facility for women,” he said. “And then even closer to the church a facility for families. It’s not fair to separate families during times when they need help.”
Looking out over the cleared ground, Richardson said McRae Electric donated the bulldozer used to move and flatten the earth. About 15 trees were also removed to make room for the new building.
“We’re hoping to have it ready to open by November,” Richardson said. “Somewhere in November. Senator McInnis will be at the groundbreaking, and Sen. Gene McLaurin said he would be there, too, I believe. There are a lot of supporters planning to be here. We’ll probably go celebrate at Pat’s Kitchen afterward. I’m going to talk with Pat and those guys over there and see if we can’t work that out.”
Richardson and his wife toured the state legislative building in Raleigh and met with McInnis on Monday.
“That was pretty awesome,” he said. “We got to meet Sen. Dan Soucek, who works directly for Billy and Franklin Graham, so he offered quite a lot of information and let us know we were on track with how we’re going about this ministry. As we were there in the (chamber) the lieutenant governor acknowledged the Place of Grace Rescue Mission and of course all of the senators in the Senate gave us a big hand for the good things we’re doing here in the community. It made me feel good. It was a great experience.”
Aside from the help and donations already received to pour the foundation, Richardson said he is in talks with Al’s Plumbing and is thankful to volunteers from the First Baptist Church Men’s Club of Rockingham and Dennis Holloway for their tireless help and pledge to keep on helping as needed. Richardson also thanked all of the civic clubs who have supported the ministry in countless ways.
“We’ve transitioned nearly 70 folks as of today,” Richardson said. “I want to thank New Life Church for their support and prayer. I, as their pastor, knew we couldn’t afford to do this type and size of a ministry, but because of their faith and prayers, God got it done.”
Reach reporter Melonie McLaurin at 910-817-2673 and follow her on Twitter @meloniemclaurin.
