This Sunday JIBC will vote at the 8:30 and the 11:00 service concerning the purchase of the “Psaras/Attic Treasures” building and property. Please feel free to call the office and speak to any of our staff members if you have questions (762-0244). You may also call Ronnie Cooper, Dean Kelly or Bob Chambless. We will be glad to provide as much information as we can.
Summary: The property is currently owned by Marvin and Julie Sineath. They live in Riverland Terrace and have owned the property for decades. Once they decided to sell, I believe it pleased them to know the property will remain associated with Riverland Terrace and in particular, James Island Baptist. The terms we have agreed upon are as follow: $350,000, with $20,000 down, owner financed at 6% for 15 years. We are currently developing a short term, 3 year plan for the property that will allow us time to develop the long term plan. The building is an old building and will require quite a bit of work to get it prepared for the first part of the plan. Our goal is to close by July 1 or as close to that date as we can.
This decision started when Mr. Sineath informed us of the buildings availability. He had talked for years of his desire for the church to have this property. We, of course, were very interested. We are land locked with little to no viable options to build or increase parking. A former plan developed years ago, required taking 1/3 of our parking area for any additional building. That really was not a desirable option. Parking space is a premium. Once we knew it was a possibility, we talked to a few leaders and then sent the idea to our finance team. The finance team then set a meeting. At the meeting was the staff pastors, Ronnie Cooper, Dean Kelly, Bob Chambless (Mr. Sineath knew Bob and requested he attend). There were several meetings after that with this team. We were united in our desire to purchase the property. We then called a meeting of all church leadership. That group unanimously voted to recommend that we purchase the property. Now, this Sunday, we bring this to the church family for a vote. Sunday, will be just a straight forward yes or no vote, similar to what we do for our church missions and ministry budget. All of us are available for any questions and will be glad to try and provide as much information as you might need.
I see this property becoming a multi-purpose use building. I am not a prophet or the son of a prophet, but I believe it will one day host the largest youth events on the island and will be the site of yet another new church started by JIBC. To God be the glory.
By the way, a special thanks to Sean for preaching this great series on Conversations with Jesus. It has been helpful to me personally to hear the Word. It has also been very helpful by allowing me a break in my schedule so I can plan the next series of messages I will preach. I am pleased to have such a competent and dedicated staff.
See you Sunday, good Lord willing,
Pastor Tom
