Story Published:
Sep 29, 2008 at 5:28 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Sep 29, 2008 at 7:37 PM CDT
Two local churches are building new facilities despite economic woes.
Despite the pain on Wall Street, they have secured loans...but their not singing praises just yet.
Grace Presbyterian Church is building a 22 million dollar facility to accommodate their growing congregation.
Six months ago, church administrators foresaw the economic crisis, and scrambled to get a loan with a fixed interest rate.
"We did it at a time where money hadn't started to tighten up yet, and we would be in a worse position trying to get the loan now", said Rich Fox, Grace Presbyterian Church Executive Director.
It's a loan the church says should be paid off with ease as half of the 22 million came from parishioner donations.
But their newest obstacle is satisfying bank underwriters who say the current church, which is collateral for the loan, may be in a flood zone.
"This church has stood since 1957...and is a sound church, and it doesn't leak, and it's a well-made church. Probably three years ago they would have accepted that", said Fox.
Bethany Baptist Church is also building a new facility with a 17 million dollar price tag.
They too secured funding but with the economic crunch, on only two out of the eight banks they met with, bid for their loan.
"We're confident that we weren't at a real disadvantage, and we're thankful for the actual proposals that were submitted", said Lyall Sutton, Bethany Baptist Church, Senior Associate Pastor.
As financial woes descended on the nation, Bethany Baptist offered financial planning seminars to help parishioners make sound decisions...the pastor says a church is only as strong as its members.
"It only helps the church make better decisions. If the people were all making bad decisions, it would be difficult for us to secure a loan", said Sutton.
Wall Street Woes have made it difficult for most entities to get loans these days.
And both Grace Presbyterian, and Bethany Baptist say their flawless credit records, and generous members, are making it possible to minister to a wider audience.
Monday, Sep 29 at 11:14 PM Jon wrote ...
The churches mentioned above do give back to the community in several ways. Such as provide clothing and shelter at the Peoria Rescue Ministry. They take up collections for food and clothing to give to the poor. Daily, the pastors attend all three local hospitals. Finally, these churches were able to secure loans because GOD wanted to show His mighty hand at work when everyone else sees things as being gloomy.