Construction crews are laying the groundwork for the new First Baptist Church of Nanty Glo in Cambria County after it was destroyed by a fire in 2015.

“Folks have been waiting for a long time to see something here. They were concerned we wouldn’t rebuild on this spot, but that had been God’s plan all along,” said Pastor Geno Bartoletti.

That plan is underway. Work began two weeks ago and should take five to six months to complete. The budget for the new church is around $1 million. It will be paid for by insurance money and donations.

Pastor Geno Bartoletti said the loss of the 102-year-old church was tough, but it brought people together. They joined the congregation at Laurel Mountain Bible Church in Mundys Corner.

“We’re excited about the new building, but we’re really excited about the spiritual growth within the congregation that’s happened since the fire,” Bartoletti said.

Members of the congregation said they’re excited to finally have a space of their own again, but the First Baptist Church was always more than just a building.

“For my wife and I, it’s never really been about a church building. The church is really the people,” said Chuck Marsh, a building committee member.

“I can worship in that field over there,” said Rhondabeth Marsh, a Sunday school teacher for First Baptist Church.

One of the biggest hurdles has been finalizing the design. While that is still undecided, stained glass windows, pews and a sign salvaged from the old church will be used in the new building.

“We’re going to incorporate aesthetically inside the church to hark it back to our history,” said Bartoletti.

Church members said they’ve overcome bigger obstacles.

“The morning of the fire we moved right across the street to the fire hall and had service there. So it goes on,” said Chuck Marsh.

They hope rebuilding the church will show others that all it takes is a little faith.

“Hopefully, people will see this and know something’s happening and want to be a part of it,” Bartoletti said.