Published: February 17, 2009 04:57 pm      

Minister plans to construct retreat in Sallis

"It’s a mighty big project and we serve a mighty big God,” Katie Tigner, an ordained minister said to the Attala County Supervisors at the Tuesday board meeting.

Tigner, an ordained minister, who currently resides in Chicago, Ill., said she has recently purchased 92 wooded acres in the Sallis area and plans to turn the area into a Christian resort center and church.

Currently, she said her project was in the first phase of restoring and renovating a house on the acreage that she will live in January 2010.

She said she will be retiring from her job at Chicago Title Insurance Company and will be making her home in Sallis then.

In information submitted to the supervisors, it states that the second phase will be the construction of the sanctuary, a three-story, 50 bedroom residence building containing a kitchen and dining area to serve up to 75 people, plus staff.

The building will also contain an atrium, a conference room and a chapel. Completion for this project is May 2010.

Once completed, the sanctuary will employ six full-time employees and will offer guest services for those staying for a week or two.

Construction of a church is projected to start in December 2010 with completion a year later.

Tigner plans for the structure include not only a gathering space but additional classrooms, a fellowship hall and administrative offices. She hopes to employ three full-time employees upon completion.

Tigner said she hopes to one day have a lake with cabins surrounding it with an in-ground swimming pool, a sauna and workout area. There are also plans for a youth Christian camp.