Atmore United Pentecostal Church will put the finishing touches on a former pastor’s dream when they dedicate a new sanctuary this weekend.

The church held a service at 7 p.m. Friday and will hold another service at 6 tonight in its new sanctuary to honor the Rev. Fred Gibbs.

“It was his dream to see a new auditorium,” said his wife Mary Gibbs, current pastor of the church. “I’m just thankful because it’s been a dream for years and it has come true.”

Work on the new building began in March of last year and the congregation was able to move in last December.

The new sanctuary includes a baptistry, larger pulpit and more seating, said church member Lois Ford.

Bo Bray, a retired homebuilder and church member oversaw the project. “It was a lot of hard work,” he said. “It was six days a week.”

Bray, who also plays the steel guitar at the church, said he was happy to help with the project.

“I am well pleased with it,” he said. “I’m just glad I was able to do what I did for the church. I’m proud, from start to finish, with the way it looks.”

The church located at 901 N. Main St. and has a congregation of 60 to 70.