Pastor Mark Patton of Eagles Nest Baptist Church said that church is Breezy Point's one and only permanent church.

The church began two years ago when Patton moved from Las Vegas to the lakes area to plant a church.

Now, the congregation has about 70 members and the church recently held its grand opening for the new church building. The congregation first met in the Patton's home and then at the Little People Day Care Center in Breezy Point.

In May, the congregation broke ground to build the 4,000 square-foot church, which is three miles from downtown Pequot Lakes on County Road 11, across from Eagle View Elementary School.

Patton said volunteers did about 80 percent of the work. Those volunteers came from the local community, as well as from other Baptist churches around the United States.

"We had people from Texas to Oregon coming to help us out with the build. It was great," Patton said.

The five acres of land on which Eagles Nest Baptist Church sits was bought many years ago by the Southern Baptist Convention and was donated to Eagles Nest.

The money to build the church came from donors, partnering churches and a loan from a local bank.

Most of the congregation is from Breezy Point, but others are from the surrounding area as well. Patton said the worship style is contemporary and younger people tend to gravitate toward that style of worship.

"We want everyone to feel comfortable in church. It doesn't matter if you have tattoos, earrings and wear blue jeans. It's all right to wear that to church. This space is for everyone," Patton said.

The layout of the church suggests openness and a welcoming atmosphere. When entering the main doors, to the right is an office area and to the left is a children's play area. Farther ahead is the fellowship area with tables for children and adults, a kitchen and a television.

"We want to encourage people to stick around after the service and not just rush off. So we have some good treats after the service, and we can watch the game or something, too," Patton said.

To the left of the fellowship area is the church's worship area with a space for drums and guitars to play.

Patton hopes one day the church will be able to add on to its existing structure, but for now they are happy about the completion of Eagles Nest Baptist Church.