Under the leadership of Mr. Christopher Makres, the Building Committee studied, prepared and presented for approval architectural plans to the General Assembly for the main church and administrative buildings. Now that the plans were in hand, the challenge was to raise the necessary funds to achieve our goals. Funds were in place to take the project up to this point, but more would be required. As they had done throughout the years, the parishioners responded resoundingly on April 9, 1983. The "Meeting the Challenge" banquet held at the Pikesville Hilton proved the resolve of the community. An astounding $275,000 was pledged and subsequently raised. It was a glorious evening.
Everything moved swiftly. Ground breaking for the main church was held the next day, April 10, 1983. Construction began with Altan Kemahli as general contractor. The community was able to follow the progress on a daily basis, building anticipation for the future. After Sunday services, many would stroll in awe through the shell of what was to become a House of the Lord. One could not help but feel that they were participating in the making of history as this was a first-time experience for most. The parish was in its prime. Excited with the anticipation of the coming of our church, the entire community was united in a common goal. During this time, the life of the parish developed through the growth of its organizations. The infant parish had grown and matured. It nurtured its people at the same time as it developed into the loving parish we see today. A briskness was filling the air with a ray of hope and a feeling of accomplishment.
On March 11, 1984 the cornerstone of our church was laid. In it lies a Holy Bible, an Icon of Saint Demetrios, a vial of holy water, and numerous historically significant lists, booklets, publications and photographs depicting the life of the parish. These and other items will remain a permanent testament to the will and determination of many people, both young and old. With all this said, the church doors were swung open like opened arms embracing all the faithful to enter and partake. Mrs. Ritsa Economakis led the parish into its new house of worship on August 28, 1984 during opening day services. A lifelong journey for many had achieved its goal of bringing together a people to glorify His name.
Progress continued to be rapid. Our Saint Demetrios Cemetery was dedicated on June 2, 1985. The baptistry window was dedicated November 26, 1986. A walkway around the church was completed to accommodate our religious processions. And finally, on July 9, 1989, the Saint Kyriaki Chapel was dedicated in honor and memory of Mrs. Kyriaki Paterakis. All of the icons in the chapel and the major icons in the main Church (except for those found on the Iconostasion) where executed by the renowned iconographer, Mr. Demetrios Dukas.
Life continued. However, a rest period was in order to take a breath and to examine where we were and what was happening. The church grew in outreach and the breath of new life into the church building was felt. The church ministries grew. Stewardship took hold and proved a tremendous success due to the leadership of Mrs. Sophia Vendelis. This time in the history of the parish proved to be a change in direction. After the hectic and challenging pace set to this point, much reflection was necessary.
