By Staff
LAFAYETTE, La. – The Bayou Church will demolish a 45-year-old building damaged by Hurricane Delta on April 25 that will make way for expansion of the Church’s existing facilities.
According to a news release, the 33,000-sq.-ft. building sustained significant damage to its roof and infrastructure after Hurricane Delta made its way through the Lafayette area in October 2020. Built in 1979, the former skating rink, known as Roller City, has served as a worship and event space since it was purchased by the church in 1986.
Senior Pastor Sean Walker said once demolished, the space will allow the church to add onto its current worship center and educational space. With a completion date expected in 2023, the additional space will include a large central lobby, new children’s space, a 250-seat multi-purpose worship venue, a coffee shop, and restrooms.
“It’s a bittersweet day as this building has had so much ministry for decades; so many small groups, worship services, gatherings, meetings, people finding community, and so many people led to Christ in this place,” Walker said. “We are thankful for this building, but we’re excited about what the future holds. The demolition is paving the way for something new as we build on the past to shape the future for decades to come.“
The church invited local Habitat for Humanity leaders to remove doors, light fixtures, toilets, and more items that will be sold at its two area ReStore locations. Proceeds from the ReStore are used to help build homes in Acadiana.
Volunteers from The Bayou Church, Kent Design Build, and UL Lafayette students assisted Habitat for Humanity leaders with dismantling items for repurposing.
“We are so thankful to The Bayou Church for giving us the opportunity to repurpose these items,” Erricka Thibodeaux of Habitat for Humanity ReStore said. “Not only is the donation helping families purchase affordable fixtures, but the money (from the sales) will help finance new homes for low-income families in our community.”
