Church building new deaf outreach center

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Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf, which has been in Jacksonville for more than 60 years, is building a new outreach center.

Ground was broken for the footings at the end of July by Buhl Masonry. The new building will replace the old parsonage, which suffered severe water damage in January. It will include new rest rooms, a meeting room and a new office and workroom.

The work force will be headed by Laborers for Christ, a group of Lutheran retirees, who will live in their recreational vehicles or fifth-wheel campers along with their spouses.

Pastor Tom Phillips, missionary to the deaf community in central Illinois, said that in addition to the laborers, the church is hoping to get volunteers from Salem and Our Redeemer Lutheran churches.

The church is at 104 Finley St. across from the Illinois School for the Deaf.