HANGING ROCK — In what can be described as a family affair, the congregation of Hanging Rock Apostolic Church of God came together to renovate the church building where they have met for the past 25 years.

Chris Sturgill, deacon at Hanging Rock Apostolic Church, said after deciding to renovate the church building, congregants banded together to host fundraising events ranging from selling hot dogs to hosting auctions.

With the money raised to renovate the building, work on the facility began this week. Strugill said renovations are slated to be completed in a month. In the meantime, the church is meeting in a tent pitched in the church parking lot. Meeting in a tent has given church members an old-fashioned worship experience.

“We call it old-fashioned tent meetings,” said Strugill.

Even though the church is currently meeting outside, Sturgill invites the community to come experience the tent meetings alongside church members at 6 p.m.

While meeting in a tent has given the congregation a new worship experience, they are looking forward to meeting in the sanctuary again.

“Lots of times we take for granted the luxury we have,” said Strugill.

Once the church renovations are completed, church members will meet in a building complete with amenities such as air conditioning and new flooring. The renovations being done at the church can be described as a major overhaul. Old carpet is being ripped out of the sanctuary and the ceiling is being re-plastered.

“We had some problems with the ceiling,” Strugill said.

Cosmetic and safety considerations in the building lead to the decision to remodel.

“We just thought it was time for a facelift,” Sturgill said.

Caring for the church building is a way to care about churchgoers. The congregation wants to be sure that their meeting place remains in good condition.

“We want to keep it up,” said Sturgill.

The church, which Sturgill said has “been an assembly for 50 years,” aspires to create a welcoming environment for people who might visit their congregation. For the Hanging Rock Apostolic Church family, Sturgill said the renovations being done on their building are way to “make sure the doors are open to the community.”

Visitors are welcome to attend Hanging Rock Apostolic Church of God for their old-fashioned tent meetings at 6 p.m. on Sunday. The church is located at 525 State Route 650 in Ironton.