By Cindi Hamar
For The New Era
After several years of fund-raising and planning, Holley Church on March 16 opened a new children’s check-in lobby.
“A dream has been fulfilled,” said Jennifer Hill, the church’s children’s director. “After waiting for several years to raise funds, get through red tape, and a 10-month construction time frame, our brand-new Kids Treehouse Lobby opened up officially.”
Visitors to the new 915-square-foot facility will see a large treehouse mounted on a huge tree trunk. A large juniper from central Oregon was used for the trunk, which serves as the base of the tree house, with two forest green slides spiraling down.
Two tables and two stools, also made from the juniper, are located in the lobby. A wall mural of trees purchased from Turkey adds to the peaceful serenity.
The church was founded in 1875 and 23 years ago a children’s wing section was added. After the addition, Holley was able to add two check-in stations for the safety of the children, one in the hallway and the other in the church kitchen.
“There was not enough room for entry and it was crowded,” said Pastor Kevin Hill. “The children and parents were lined up outside, at times. It took too long to get them in.”
Holley Church raised $150,000 for the new addition through Christmas offerings, and special gifts.
Jennifer Hill came up with the vision for the treehouse and mentioned it to member Danny McCubbins, a retired building contractor. McCubbins sketched out the idea and Heather Harris she drew up design plans.
After meeting county requirements for a sprinkler system in the new addition to the original aged church, construction launched and ground-breaking took place the week after Mother’s Day 2024. Construction took approximately 10 months, with McCubbins acting as project manager, overseeing everything through final production.
Signs for the facility are being created by Josh Starha.
Church members were enthusiastic about the completion of the facility.
“It’s beautiful and I’m very very proud of it because it helps fulfill Kevin’s and Jennifer’s plans,” said Mary Olson. “ I love being part of contributing to it.”
The entry is the first of other planned additions to the building.
“Seeing all the kids walk in the doors Sunday and watching their faces light up was something I’ll never forget, said Gavin Gibbons. “I’m so happy for the Holley Church family community and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Holley Church, located at 40346 Hwy. 228, has three Sunday services at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Children’s programs are offered through the fifth grade. For more information, call (541) 367-6030 or visit holleychurch.org.