MARY BELDING, representing First Christian Church, hands the church keys to Richard Pepperney, executive director of Community Action, as the Rev. Rick Elwell watches Sunday morning.. The church is disbanding and is giving the building to the social service organization. WARREN DILLAWAY
Published December 14, 2008 11:08 pm - Tears were shed as officials from First Christian Church handed the keys to the director of Community Action Agency during a symbolic transfer of property ceremony Sunday.
Church leaders hand over keys to Community Action
By WARREN DILLAWAY - Staff Writer Star Beacon
AUSTINBURG TOWNSHIP — Tears were shed as officials from First Christian Church handed the keys to the director of Community Action Agency during a symbolic transfer of property ceremony Sunday.
“I have no gift to bring to you but I can give you a promise that the service you have given to the Ashtabula community will continue from this property,” said Community Action Agency Executive Director Richard Pepperney at the conclusion of the worship service.
The church decided to disband and give the property to the social service agency that helps a variety of people in Ashtabula County.
“Today we transfer not only the ownership of our building and property but also the stewardship of it to the Community Action Agency of Ashtabula County,” said the Rev. Richard Elwell of First Christian Church.
Pepperney thanked the church for its gift. “There are other things you could have done with this structure,” he said.
“Some of the inspiring writers of our scripture are like old friends,” Pepperney said of three passages read from the books of Isaiah, Luke and John. “The theme of giving just comes through,” he said.
“You have chosen to give something that is very precious to you,” Pepperney said.
The church will continue to conduct Sunday services through Feb. 8 and Community Action Agency has begun improvements to the building before moving in to the building full time, Elwell said.
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