From Deseret News archives:
Pastor Bob's splendid sanctuary
Minister is inspired to build new church
When the Christ Meat of the Word Sanctuary & Fellowship opens in September of next year, the pastor expects to have 300 members. However, the sanctuary is being built to seat at least 1,500. The nondenominational church invites all Christians.
"God told us if we build it, they will come. So our job is to be obedient and build it," says Pastor Robert (Bob) Craig. "My desire is to please him. Now I don't always do that. But when I have the resources to do it, I try my darnedest to do it. Just like you do for your papa. It is not our undertaking. It is the will of God."
Pastor Bob began his religious ministry in 1972 as an elder in the Methodist Church. After a difference of opinion with the episcopacy, he said he decided to leave the care of the church to God and start a software company. About 21 years later, he moved his company to Utah, where it was absorbed by a global company in 2007.
Just before the two companies merged, the pastor felt a calling to found the Christ Meat of the Word Sanctuary & Fellowship.
"God started beating me up to do this," he explained. The pastor said he told God, "You'll have to give me some time."
The merger freed up time for Pastor Bob to open the church, which currently meets in the Megaplex Theater at the District Shopping Center in West Jordan.
Once the nondenominational church was established, Pastor Bob and his wife recognized the need for a sanctuary to be built where parishioners could meet throughout the week and worship together on Sundays. The Craigs spent months researching sanctuaries across the country. "My wife and I were fasting and praying about really seeking the Lord's inspiration as to what he wanted us to build," explained Pastor Bob. (He and his wife have promised to donate half the cost of the project from their own personal funds, which they attribute to blessings from the Lord.)
While surfing the Internet, Maria-Rosa came across the Beaufort, S.C., sanctuary. She said, "Chief, come and see, look at this!"
Pastor Bob said that when he saw it he knew it was the sanctuary they needed to build.
The Beaufort sanctuary became their inspiration. They contacted the local pastor and were invited to come out with their architect and look at the building. After visiting and talking with the building's architect, the future Bluffdale sanctuary was planned to look identical to the Beaufort building.
The only similar building in the world will be the Beaufort sanctuary, said Pastor Bob, "It will bring absolute glory to our God."
