After a year of pounding, sawing, brick laying and concrete mixing, the new construction on the Walnut Street Church of Christ is just six weeks away from its projected completion date.

Charles Box, minister of the church, said on Monday the remodeling and addition project &uot;had gone very smoothly,&uot; and he anticipates the church will be completely finished by mid-August.

&uot;Most of the brickwork and a lot of the work on the interior spaces is done. The plumbing and electrical work is being put in this week, so we are getting closer and closer,&uot; Box said.

The ambitious project has actually been two projects done back to back.

&uot;We started by redoing the inside back portion of the church. Then we moved to the front, tore that down, and that’s what the workmen are in the process of completing now,&uot; Box said.

He estimates the church’s facilities will increase in size by one-third over the original structure, providing more classroom space among its numerous improvements.

Walnut Street’s congregation has continued to meet in the church, in spite of the major construction that’s been taking place around them.

&uot;Let’s just say it’s been interesting – but fun,&uot; Box said with a laugh.

Having a supportive congregation throughout a major building project has made the whole process much easier, the minister said.

&uot;We have a great church with wonderful people.,&uot; Box said.