One of Panama City's oldest and largest churches broke ground Sunday on their brand new community center.

They say it's been a long road to get to this point, but church officials and members dug their shovels in the ground with pride and joy as onlookers clapped and cheered.

Over the years First United Methodist Church's plans for the new building has been caught up in controversy between residents and church members.

Most recently Panama City commissioners approved road closure to the road running between the current church and the future center.

Palo Alto's closure came in exchange for some of the church's property several blocks away. Some residents in the area weren't happy about the move, saying it set a bad precedent.

On the other hand, church members have been hoping for the road closure since it would offer them a safe and secure passage between the church and the new family life center.

The pastor of First United Methodist Church says these plans have been in the works for almost 20 years. He says it's nice to see them finally come to fruition.

Rev. David Warren, senior minister, said, "We had a lot of obstacles to overcome and through god's grace they over came or we overcame those obstacles and we'll be closing the street we're standing here on."

The church is expecting the road to be closed and construction to begin in about three months.