Why Did First Presbyterian Buy a Grocery Store?

Just last week, our congregation acquired the property directly across Crawford Street.  The “L” shaped property includes the former IGA West store, the parking lot south of the store, and two lots on Judson.

A small amount of asbestos tile has already been removed from the building, and demolition will proceed as soon as possible.  The building was in poor condition.  Remodeling it did not make sense financially.

One obvious benefit to owning the property is that we have secured access to needed parking.  But I think there are other benefits that are not as obvious.

First, we are playing a role in the development and beautification of our neighborhood.  Let’s be honest.  The building was deteriorating.  Abandoned buildings are never a positive sign for a neighborhood.  Removing the building, leveling the lot, and taking care of it in the future sends the message to our neighbors and our friends that we’re serious about improving the surrounding neighborhood.  Who knows?  Perhaps this project will inspire our neighbors.

Second, the purchase of the property signals something else: a bit of boldness.  That’s right – it took some courage and creativity to make this happen.  In times of uncertainty and change, paralysis can set in.  But it hasn’t for us.  We made a decision that reflects a deep optimism about our future together. 

There was an era when there was a thriving neighborhood grocery store across the street from our place of worship.  That store, and that era, is now part of our past.  It’s an important part of our past, and for that we are grateful.  But we are also open to the arrival of something new and different as we continue to listen for God’s leading. 

The purchase of the property and the demolition of the building is a concrete action.  Before long, our surroundings will actually look much different than they do now.  But it is also a symbolic action on the part of our congregation.  It is a confident movement towards the future into which God has called us.  It is a sign of life and energy in a congregation led into new territory by the God who is always full of surprises.  Let’s pray that we can be creative and imaginative followers as God leads us forward.

Peace, Jared.