Bern, May 15,2012 [Adventisten.at]. The new Austrian administration building of the Seventh-day Adventist Church was completed on April 24, 2012, after eleven months of construction. Tuesday, at 2 pm there was a ceremony at which the church leaders, representatives of the project and construction companies were present. The beautiful conference room was filled with about 80 people, including the staff of the building and the members of the Executive Committee. A group of Korean musicians provided a worthy musical accompaniment.
Through his "Review in Pictures", Pastor Oliver Fichtberger, General Secretary of the Church, gave not only an insight into the construction phases, but also told some experiences that would be defined "lucky", if superficially considered. From a religious perspective, someone who knows there is a loving God above, these experiences are a sign of God's guidance.
One example: in Vienna and the surrounding districts there are 51 surveyors. Three of them were asked for a quote. The best offer was so favorable that it was almost suspicious. At the first meeting on the property, it turned out that the building committee, out of all the surveyors, had chosen the one that had already measured a large part of the adjoining properties, therefore cutting the cost favorably. Thankfully, Mag. Fichtberger told the audience about a number of challenges, all of which could be well resolved in time.
The planning architect Stan Sedlbauer explained the idea that was the underlying architecture principle of the building: open, inviting and friendly. The building is exactly what the Adventist Church in Austria wants it to be, open, inviting and friendly to all fellow human beings.
The executive architect, graduate engineer Sodl, summarized the main stages of the construction. After him, Pastor Gabriel Maurer, General Secretary of the Euro-Africa Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, quoted from the Bible on the mission of Advent believers, which is to talk with courage and determination to the people of Vienna and Austria about the Christian hope, that Jesus will come again, as He has promised. This is the heart of the Christian hope and the culmination of the Christian faith. For Adventists it so important, that this principle is reflected even in its name: Adventist comes from Advent, that means "arrival".
After the ceremonial key-delivering by architect Stan Sedlbauer to the treasurer Christian Gerer, Herbert Brugger, president of Seventh-day Adventists in Austria, conlcuded with a prayer of blessing.
Afterwards everyone was divided into three groups and led into the building for a tour, to see the finished rooms and to listen to other interesting experiences of the past few months. The ceremony ended with a tasty buffet. It was a successful celebration of gratitude to God, who is always a loving Father. For those who want to see the new building, it is situated on the beautiful grounds, at the end of the Prager-street, number 287, in the Florisdorf district in the outskirts of Vienna. On Sunday, June 17, 2012, there will be an open house for the residents of the area. Members of the church, neighbours or anyone wishing to have a closer look inside, is also invited.
The headquarter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Austria can be contacted at the following number: 0043 - 01 31 99
