Kansas Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists (KNCSB)

Escalating cost of building materials hits WCC project

With spring finally arriving, construction is going into high gear on the new multipurpose building at Webster Conference Center, Salina, Kan.

However, the WCC board of directors recently learned that a major obstacle looms on the horizon: large increases in the cost of construction materials.

Terry McIlvain, WCC administrator, said the situation is caused by two factors:

• The 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes


• Expansion at Fort Riley that is creating a building boom in central Kansas

“Building products “are at a premium in this area,” he said. As just one example, the price of plywood rose $2 per sheet in a matter of hours.

Kansas-Nebraska Southern Baptists opened their hearts and wallets to raise $1.6 million to construct the multipurpose building. However, McIlvain told the board that more money will be needed. And construction volunteers will play an even more crucial role.

“I think we need to make it an extreme matter of prayer,” he added.

The WCC board has obtained a line of credit to use if needed for constructing the multipurpose building. The line of credit was obtained from the Kansas-Nebraska Southern Baptist Foundation.

In addition, McIlvain is exploring the possibility of obtaining grants for the project.

Funds and donated materials are currently available for other projects at WCC, including:

• Improvements on the lakefront, including a sand volleyball court on the beach.


• A skateboard park. Money has been donated for the project


• Shade pavilions at the lake and the climbing tower.


• Installing new shingles on the dormitory and the motel/staff house.

Volunteers play crucial roles in all aspects of operating Webster Conference Center. For more information on how you can get involved, call Bill Cooke at 785.827.6565 or 877-WCC-RESV. Or send e-mail to Cooke is the WCC director of operations.