VIDALIA — The Pentecostals of the Miss-Lou began the three-day dedication of their new church building Friday night.

Members of the congregation danced, clapped their hands, hugged and sang “Lord we exalt your name” as the service opened at 7:30 p.m.

The 32,000 square foot building, which has a sanctuary that will seat between 1,200 and 1,800 people, cost $3.5 million to build, member Wayne Doolittle said.

Congregation members watched emcee Rev. Floyd Hawthorne on giant video screens as he led the event from an elevated stage.

“Congratulations on this beautiful building,” he said. “It’s really an asset.”

Secretary of United Pentecostal District No. 1 Randy Harper agreed.

“This is going to be great for people to drive by and see where your dollars have gone,” he said.

“You’ve invested in the kingdom of God, and the 25,000 people that drive by here every day will see it advertised.”

Rev. Marrell Cornwell, of Witchita, Kan., said that the new building is a dream come true.

“I am so proud of the Ferriday church that I want to shout,” he said.

The keynote speaker was Louisiana District UPC Superintendent Rev. Kevin Cox.

The event will continue Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Rev. Charles Curry emceeing and Rev. Mark Morgan from San Francisco as the main speaker.

Services will also take place Sunday at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Rev. Shawn Plant will emcee the morning event Sunday, and Cornwell will be the keynote speaker.

Curry will emcee the evening service, and Rev. Murrell Ewing of Lake Charles will speak.