Church launches project with groundbreaking ceremony
Members of The Sanctuary of Fort Madison gather to pray for and celebrate the start of construction of their new church building north of Fort Madison, Iowa. With Carl A. Nelson & Company as design-builder, the project is expected to be enclosed and turned over to church members by fall to finish. CANCO
2 weeks, 6 days ago
Carl A. Nelson & Company is design-builder for The Sanctuary of Fort Madison's new church building.
FORT MADISON, Iowa — With prayers and plenty of photos taken to preserve the moment, members of The Sanctuary of Fort Madison gathered May 20, 2026, in a farm field just off the U.S. 61 bypass near Rodeo Park to commemorate the start of construction of their new church building.
As design-builder, Carl A. Nelson & Company joined in the celebration.
Founded 51 years ago as First United Pentecostal Church of Fort Madison, the new building goes hand-in-hand with the church's new name and continued growth. The 15,000 SF single-story building represents an opportunity to gain increased elbow room for now and the future. Being built on five acres along 303rd Avenue, the new church will have worship capacity of 350 (the current church is cramped with about 80 on a Sunday) with built-in baptismal, plus a fellowship hall, classrooms, nursery, sensory room and warming kitchen. With site work and foundations starting this month, the steel structure is expected to go up in July or August.
Pictured during the groundbreaking for The Sanctuary of Fort Madison are, from left, CANCO Field Foreman and church member Kiko Cortes; CANCO Director of Business Development Aaron Engberg; CANCO Vice President of Operations (Burlington) and church member Dan Culp; Pastor Chris Frank and Amanda Frank; and CANCO Director of Marketing, Craig Neises. CANCO