The Lockport US&J reported a few weeks ago about this Sunday's launch of the Hartland Bible Church at Gasport....
NEW HOME: Parishioners excited about new home at former Catholic church
The Journey of Faith and Grace of the Diocese of Buffalo is allowing a Town of Hartland Church to make the trip to the Village of Gasport.
The Hartland Bible Church, which is located in a 175-year-old building on Johnson Creek Road, is planning its first service at St. Mary’s of Gasport on Mother’s Day, May 10.The independent church purchased the property on West Avenue in Gasport from the Diocese of Buffalo for $500,000, according to Pastor Lowell Gypson. St. Mary’s of Gasport was merged into St. John the Baptist of Lockport in 2008.
“The vast majority of parishioners are very excited,” said Gypson, who has been at the Hartland church for 32 years. “A few people are sentimental. We talked about a new building and this opportunity came up. This is tremendous. We’re saving a lot of funds.”
The original building in the town of Middleport was built in 1833. It was the First Baptist Church and Hartland Baptist Church before becoming independent about 10 years ago. For the time being, the new site — which is 4.5 miles away — will be called Hartland Bible Church at Gasport.
About $200,000 was raised from parishioners. The money from the sale will go to St. John the Baptist, according to Kevin Keenan of the diocese office of communications.
The cost of a new bible church would have been prohibitive for the parish of 200 people. “It’s amazing it came down at this time,” Gypsom said. “We’ve had positive comments (from St. Mary’s). They are glad a church is there. The diocese was hoping a church would buy it.”
Most items were removed from St. Mary’s, but the pews, which hold 475 people, more than doubles the old church. The confessionals remain and the bible church was also left with tables, chairs and a Bingo machine. “That’s fine with us,” the pastor said. “We look at it as tremendous potential.”
The rectory will be adapted for Sunday school. A platform has been raised up and projectors added.
“The sale turned out very well,” said Dick Cain, St. John’s parish council president. “We were happy to find them interested in property. I’m happy they are able to take over ... Whenever you have a situation like that it’s difficult.”Some St. Mary’s statues have been moved to St. John’s while other items are storage. “We’re looking for a home for them,” Cain said.
Jerry Williams, of Epic Ministries, will sing and speak at the 9:45 a.m. service on May 10 and a praise band will perform. A celebration reception is planned for 11:15 a.m.
Source: http://www.lockportjournal.com/archivesearch/local_story_117022057.html
NEW HOME: Parishioners excited about new home at former Catholic church
The Journey of Faith and Grace of the Diocese of Buffalo is allowing a Town of Hartland Church to make the trip to the Village of Gasport.
The Hartland Bible Church, which is located in a 175-year-old building on Johnson Creek Road, is planning its first service at St. Mary’s of Gasport on Mother’s Day, May 10.The independent church purchased the property on West Avenue in Gasport from the Diocese of Buffalo for $500,000, according to Pastor Lowell Gypson. St. Mary’s of Gasport was merged into St. John the Baptist of Lockport in 2008.
“The vast majority of parishioners are very excited,” said Gypson, who has been at the Hartland church for 32 years. “A few people are sentimental. We talked about a new building and this opportunity came up. This is tremendous. We’re saving a lot of funds.”
The original building in the town of Middleport was built in 1833. It was the First Baptist Church and Hartland Baptist Church before becoming independent about 10 years ago. For the time being, the new site — which is 4.5 miles away — will be called Hartland Bible Church at Gasport.
About $200,000 was raised from parishioners. The money from the sale will go to St. John the Baptist, according to Kevin Keenan of the diocese office of communications.
The cost of a new bible church would have been prohibitive for the parish of 200 people. “It’s amazing it came down at this time,” Gypsom said. “We’ve had positive comments (from St. Mary’s). They are glad a church is there. The diocese was hoping a church would buy it.”
Most items were removed from St. Mary’s, but the pews, which hold 475 people, more than doubles the old church. The confessionals remain and the bible church was also left with tables, chairs and a Bingo machine. “That’s fine with us,” the pastor said. “We look at it as tremendous potential.”
The rectory will be adapted for Sunday school. A platform has been raised up and projectors added.
“The sale turned out very well,” said Dick Cain, St. John’s parish council president. “We were happy to find them interested in property. I’m happy they are able to take over ... Whenever you have a situation like that it’s difficult.”Some St. Mary’s statues have been moved to St. John’s while other items are storage. “We’re looking for a home for them,” Cain said.
Jerry Williams, of Epic Ministries, will sing and speak at the 9:45 a.m. service on May 10 and a praise band will perform. A celebration reception is planned for 11:15 a.m.
Source: http://www.lockportjournal.com/archivesearch/local_story_117022057.html
