The second phase of construction for the new parish hall at Redeemer Lutheran Church has begun.

Church officials, however, also have launched a fundraising campaign to keep the $3.2 million project on schedule for completion late this year.

A groundbreaking ceremony was Oct. 19 at the church at 504 N. Walnut St. in Seymour after demolition of the fellowship hall.

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Phase two of the project, called Growing in Christ Capital Campaign, will include second-floor classrooms, some kitchen equipment and an elevator for accessibility. More than $750,000 is needed so those improvements can occur.

“Our first phase has given us enough money to do the outside and shell for the building and complete the first floor,” said Todd Neawedde, who is chairman of the building committee.

“This additional campaign money will go to help finish out the second floor, which would be the classrooms for the children and adults and add some of the things that we left out during the first campaign.”

So far, Neawedde said the foundation for the new parish hall is complete with the second 18,000-pound steel beam going up next week.

On Sunday, people can sign the beam with Sharpie markers between the two church services. The first service starts at 8 a.m., and the second is at 10:30 a.m.

There also will be time for people to sign after the second service.

“They can sign their name, dates and Bible verse if they want,” he said.

John Beatty, co-chairman of the capital campaign, said about two-thirds of the $750,000 needed for Phase 2 has been raised.

The church’s foundation will match every $2 donated with a $1 grant up to $250,000, he said. Therefore, if the church can raise $500,000 in additional donations, they can reach their goal.

The campaign committee is hoping to far exceed the $750,000 goal, so any excess funds will be applied to reduce the debt accumulated for the project.

Beatty said they would like to have the campaign funds collected by March. The entire project is planned to be completed in late fall.

Pastor Andrew Currao said the project, which is a historical moment for the church impacting members for more than 50 years to come, is going well.

“It’s wonderful,” he said. “The church is excited, and even the community seems to be very excited to see the progress.”

Currao said he hopes the addition will allow a setting for people to conduct their business with God in a proper place, including a place to have Bible study, dinners and other church functions for adults, kids and youths.

“Functionality is what we’re excited about, too,” he said.

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For information or to make a donation, call the church at 812-522-1837.

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