BELHAVEN — It’s a church that has stood as a beacon of light and hope in the Belhaven community for over 110 years, providing a place for worship and praise. White Plains Church Ministries celebrated the third anniversary of its new building last weekend and the hope is to build additions to accommodate a growing effort to serve the community and, in turn, bring it closer together.

White Plains hosted a service celebrating the anniversary, which was attended by pastors and other invited guests. The service included a performance from the church’s praise dance team, White Plains God’s Dancing Angels. The event was also a celebration of the pastor’s birthday, which is on Feb. 19, according to Gloria Rogers, the church’s administrator.

Several years ago, when the new building was under construction, an engineering problem proved to be an obstacle, according to Rev. Dr. Douglas Cogdell, who has served as the church’s pastor for over 30 years. The problem, an issue with the church being built below the flood plain, was solved by a rally of support from other churches in the area, many of which are a part of Team Coalition, a group of churches that help those in need.

“When the church had to go through that transition, that’s what really put me into the position to partner with Team Coalition,” Cogdell said. “The churches in the community really started rallying with us and helped us through our jam (with the construction). In return, we want to be a blessing not only to our members, but also our community. It’s been a humbling experience. The celebration was a great success.”

The church serves “the saints of God in the community at large,” according to Rogers. With its new building, along with plans to add onto its 29-acre property, the church continues that mission.

Cogdell said the new church, built in 2013, seats over 300 people and includes a multipurpose facility. The old facility, located on Pine Street in Belhaven and built in 1904, had deteriorated and was no longer a viable place to host services. Church officials plan to add two additional phases to the new site, including a 200-seat commercial kitchen and dining area, as well as a family life center.

The additions are being planned as a means to start new ministries such as an afterschool tutoring program and a summer enrichment program for area youth, as well as a senior citizens daycare program, Cogdell said.

Cogdell, also a computer teacher in Greenville, said the church hosts computer classes to give people a chance to learn how to use a computer. It also accommodates an Alcoholics Anonymous group each Saturday. The church has plans for its old building to run a food bank or other program to benefit the community, as well, Cogdell said.

“Every step we take, we’re looking out for the community,” Cogdell said. “We want to be here for people. Whatever we have, we offer for the entire community to enjoy.”

White Plains Church Ministries is located at 748 Edward St. in Belhaven.