BATH — In an era in which many congregations’ numbers are dwindling, at least one Beaufort County church is growing.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church is the oldest church building in the state in the oldest town in the state — Bath. Built in 1734, services are still held in the historic structure every Sunday, as well as other times throughout the year. After more than 300 years of services, the church is growing in a couple of different ways: its congregation is getting larger and the church is expanding its parish hall to accommodate the growth.

“We have outgrown out present parish hall,” said Rev. Diane Tomlinson, St. Thomas’ rector.

Ground has been broken for the 1,400-square-foot addition being added to the Noe Building, the parish hall named for Rev. A.C.D. Noe who oversaw a restoration of church building between 1936 and 1939. The new space would allow for overflow during large funerals and Christmas and Easter services which typically draw more people, as well as allow for more community groups to use the space. Currently, a bridge club plays in the Noe Building, a yoga class is held every Tuesday morning and a variety of groups have used the it for meeting space. Tomlinson said she’d like to see more of the community to use the fellowship hall, and it’s that open-arm approach that’s bringing more people to church each Sunday.

“This is a very friendly group of people,” Tomlinson said of the congregation.

“Is it the increase in the senior population?” said St. Thomas’ junior warden Bill Axness, referring to Bath’s population of retirees. “But we’ve got younger people now. So I don’t know.”

But Axness agreed that the warmth and welcome offered by the congregation to everyone who walks in the door likely has impact.

“We’re just a welcoming group of people. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here,” he said.

Tomlinson said it wasn’t always the case. Many churches go through periods of spiritual discontent.

“There was a time of low energy and sort of drifting,” Tomlinson said. “A group of people came together and galvanized the congregation with a new vision, and that enthusiasm has spread into the community, so people want to be a part of that.”

So many people that church suppers have the Noe Building bursting at the seams: “When we have 60 people in there for a potluck supper, it’s packed,” Axness laughed.

The building’s addition will have audio/visual hookups to the sanctuary and a free-standing altar where the priest can offer communion, so overflow congregants will feel more a part of a service. It also will give the choir ample room to practice and allow an existing room to be turned into the church library.

“A tranquil place,” Tomlinson said.

On April 25 at 11 a.m., St. Thomas will host a dedication ceremony for the addition to the Noe Building, and the community is invited.