FERRIDAY&8212; A year after construction began, the United Pentecostal Church of Ferriday is about six to eight weeks from its competition, the Rev. Gary Howington said.

&8220;We are probably about six to eight weeks out from being able to occupy,&8221; he said.

The outside of the $3 million facility is approximately 95 percent complete and the inside is not far behind, he said. Lighting, sound equipment and a few other details inside the church separate future church services from their new home.

Services could begin as soon as mid- to late- September, he said. The new building is 35,000 square feet and will seat over 1,000 people, Howington said.

Planning for the new facility began long before the construction began in August of 2005. A formal dedication will be held for the church once the congregation and its pastor get accustomed, Howington said.

&8220;We will wait until the first of the year to make a formal dedication,&8221; Howington said. &8220;We are very excited and anxious ourselves and hoping the Miss-Lou will come and rejoice with us.&8221;

The congregation was growing quickly when the new church idea came along, Howington said. Approximately 400 church members will be making the move to the new building.

&8220;Statistically we know it will grow,&8221; Howington said. &8220;Normally we expect about a 25 percent increase and anticipate expanding our ministries and congregation.&8221;

The reason for the expansion of the church is simple, Howington said.

&8220;We were out of space where we were, he said.&8221;