MIDDLEBORO –  The new Church in the Pines pavilion welcomed the public for the first time during the second annual Harvest Festival held on Saturday, Oct. 15. 

According to Ministry intern Chelsea Lowe, although the first Harvest Festival was held in the Middleboro location last year, the construction of the pavilion was not yet completed. 

“It's great because we have an actual space,” said Lowe. “We are covered by the rain in case it does rain.” 

Since it was founded almost 160 years ago, the church has been located in West Wareham. In 2013, they purchased 20 acres at 30 East Street in Middleboro.

The construction of the pavilion that stretches 40 feet by 80 feet, began this past summer after nine years of operation on the Middleboro property.

Construction of the pavilion was completed by parishioners who decided to step up and build the structure themselves to save on cost. 

“It's a space that we can gather and feel blessed so that is exciting for us,” said Lowe. 

The pavilion covered festival attendees as they painted pumpkins, created crafts and snacked on Halloween candy. 

Dressed in their best Halloween attire, fair-goers explored the walking trails on the property by hayride. 

A maze, live music and a petting zoo were also enjoyed by attendees. 

“This is our biggest community event of the year,” said Lowe.