Jerash, Jordan — The Baptist Church in Dibbeen, a village in Jerash Governorate, has launched an ambitious expansion and restoration project for its historic church and school, aimed at preserving the community’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

The initiative builds on a legacy that dates back to 1932, when the first school was established in the home of resident Ibrahim Ayyoub Oweis. A decade later, Dr. Maclean, founder of Gilead Hospital in Ajloun, expanded the facility to include a hall for girls, additional classrooms, and a church to meet the village’s spiritual needs.

The school served the community until the early 1960s, producing generations of graduates who went on to become doctors, engineers, judges, and lawyers. The church continued its services until the late 1970s under the auspices of the Jerash Baptist Church, even as many villagers moved to nearby cities for work.

“With the return of families to restore their ancestral homes, the church is now restoring its heritage,” said community activist Iman Oweis. “The project will expand the old facilities to host more worshippers, while preserving their historical and cultural value. A joint committee from the Jerash and Dibbeen churches was formed to oversee the work.

Engineer Bishr Zureiqat, Director of the Modern Buildings Office, confirmed that the project’s designs have been approved by the Engineers Syndicate and licensed by the municipality. After a competitive bidding process, a local contractor was selected.

Construction is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025.

The organizing committee described the project as a milestone in reviving Dibbin’s spiritual and cultural life, underscoring the church’s enduring role in serving the local community and safeguarding its religious and educational legacy.

More about the Dibin church project, please visit Ladder to Hope