WESTERVILLE – The Baptist Church of Genoa along National Route 3 in the Canton of Genoa, which is currently undergoing expansion, is expected to grow further in the near future.

“On May 3, a majority of the board of directors voted to approve a new building of almost 66,000 square feet to be operated by the Baptist Church of Genoa as the Genoa Christian Academy (GCA) on the property of ‘About 88 acres of the church, southwest of the cult center’s current expansion,’ wrote Township of Genoa Zoning and Development Director Joe Shafer in the July newsletter / August of the township.

Pastor Frank Carl hosted a YouTube video tour of the worship center’s progress, which can be found on the church’s website, www.genoachurch.org. According to this video, the worship center opens this month after 20 weeks of construction.

GCA is a ministry of the church.

“Genoa Christian Academy is a state charter Christian school with full programming for preschool, elementary, middle and high schools,” said its website, www.genoachristianacademy.org.

Shafer wrote of the new addition: “The two-story structure will contain classrooms, teaching space, cafeteria and gymnasium for middle and high school students. The existing parking lot will be expanded and a new lane leading to Worthington Road will be built to improve access and facilitate traffic. If all of the required Delaware County approvals are obtained, construction is expected to begin this fall. “

“The Lord has blessed the Church of Genoa and the Christian Academy of Genoa in an extraordinary way, and we are delighted to announce that in the fall of 2021 we will begin a construction project that will provide an additional 65,000 square foot building. “said the ACG website. “This building is designed for students of the upper academy and should be completed in the summer of 2023.”

Township documents showed the addition’s address at 7562 Lewis Center Road, Westerville.

In other township news, Genoa spokeswoman Leslie Strader said the catwalk project which was due to start this week is on hold. The project would have closed the Genoa Trail at Mont-Royal Avenue to add a welcome sign that could be seen along Route 3.

“We had a supply issue related to COVID-19 that will delay our start date,” Strader said.

Finally, the township administration office on the South Old 3C Freeway will be closed on July 5. However, there will be no delay for Rumpke’s household garbage service. Finally, the film “Trolls World Tour” will be screened on July 10 at McNamara Park. Viewing areas for families can be booked by visiting genoatwp.com/movienight.

Construction continues at the Genoa Baptist Church, 7562 Lewis Center Road, Westerville.

Gary Budzak can be reached at 740-413-0906 or on Twitter @GaryBudzak.