The 1st Street Gospel Hall's new location in Portage la Prairie is a huge upgrade. It's at 350 River Road, with a new name -- River Road Gospel Hall.

That's from Building Chair Art Smith, who says they really love their new building. Church Leader Dave Vanstone says it was certainly time for an upgrade.

"We realized there were some constraints in our old building -- a very dated sort of facility there -- so we were looking for something with a larger entrance or foyer area so that people could visit and get around easier. Also we were looking for proper nursery facilities, which we were lacking in the other place. The dining facility was somewhat limited as well, and also handicap access."

Building Chair Art Smith and Church Leader Dave Vanstone

Smith says everyone's happy with the final result.

"We like it a lot. It's a big upgrade from where we were. We seem to have a lot more elbow room, and we can do more functioning. As you can see the building is very large, and a lot of our people are very excited about it, and the possibility of doing other things in the community."

Vanstone and Smith welcome anyone to come by the church during the week at 7:30 for special gospel meetings.