Standing on the steps of the newly remodeled building, longtime Orrville Pastor Eugene Bennett Sr. is taking it all in. After 12 years of prayer and faithful dedication, New Rising Star P.B. Church, has received a total makeover that would surprise many, especially its members.

“People can’t wait to get there,” Bennett said. “They’re crying and shouting; they couldn’t imagine it would look like it looks. They couldn’t of dreamed of it.”

Bennett said the groundwork for the major changes began in September and the final paperwork was completed Thursday. A dedication service for the church will be held Sunday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m.

“We’ve remodeled from inside out (and) extended the church out further,” Bennett said. “We’ve changed the kitchen, put kitchen in a different location, put tiles on the floor, new bathrooms, changed ceiling style, brought pulpit out further, new porch, new doors, new steeple, new tin roof … It’s beautiful.”

For Bennett, he can now breathe a sigh of relief.