Shepherd of the Hills Christian Church, 6909 W. Courtyard Drive, Austin, broke ground Feb. 26 on a 3,000-square-foot fellowship hall that includes a kitchen area and restrooms. The project is expected to be completed in August, Church Administrator Christina Johnson said.

Named The Gathering Place, the facility will be the first of its kind for the congregation, she said.

"Shepherd of the Hills is a 33-year-old church and has never had a fellowship hall so this is a long time dream in the making," Johnson said.

A large portion of the project's funds were donated by one member, with the church body contributing the remaining costs, she said.

“The purpose [of the building] is for a community gathering place—for weddings, memorials, lunches and celebrations,” Johnson said. “The public is welcome to contact us to use it, and we will have reasonable rates. We are willing to work with anyone interested in using the space.”

The new structure will add to the site’s sanctuary and education building.