WARREN, Ohio - Second Baptist Church in Warren will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony for the Garden of Hope Community Pavillion on Sunday, October 1 starting at noon.

The Garden of Hope was originally dedicated in 1999 under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Frank Hearns as the "Community Center Garden." The garden acted as a memorial and place of rest and reflection in honor of those who had battled any form of cancer.

Under the leadership of Rev. Todd Johnson, the area was rechristened "The Garden of Hope" and expanded to include those who have faced serious illness and personal struggles.

The addition of a picnic pavilion to the garden was the dream of Trustee Chairman, the late Major Timothy Raimey. Raimey desired to see an outdoor space where the church and community could gather for fellowship and outreach in the neighborhood.

The project is part of the church's Vision100 effort, which is a multi-phase, multi-year renovation and expansion initiative.

Work on the pavilion is scheduled to begin the week after groundbreaking and the ribbon cutting will be held in November as part of the church's 107th Anniversary festivities.

Those who wish to donate to the pavilion project may do so here.