Historic New York City Church Saved by $24 Million Windfall

Russ Jones | Christian Press | Updated: Oct 31, 2014

Historic New York City Church Saved by $24 Million Windfall

A church on New York’s Upper East Side looks to receive a $24 million windfall from a real estate developer. Extell Development Co. is negotiating a deal with the historic Park Avenue Christian Church to purchase an annex located on the property, according to Christian Today.

Pastor Alvin Jackson was called to serve in 2006 and credited for turning around the declining church. 

"The proceeds will be used to ensure the Church can continue with its mission, which includes enhancing and expanding on such programs as our Saturday Community Lunch Programme for the homeless, immigration clinics for new immigrants, programmes for both the youth and the elderly, as well as repairs to maintain our landmark sanctuary for future generations,” Jackson told Christian Today.

Some have criticized the pending design that features a glass tower cantilevered over the church's pitched roof as well as the church’s relocation of its school for the elite to the Upper West Side.

"Since the very future of our church is at stake, we do not take our stewardship of these funds lightly. The $24 million to be entrusted to us is over the course of many, many years - a modest sum to preserve an institution with so much responsibility to a community and a city."

In August, the New York Times reported that about 30 families had withdrawn their child from the school affiliated with the church due to the relocation and the proposed development.

Park Avenue Christian Church is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. 

Publication date: October 31, 2014



Historic New York City Church Saved by $24 Million Windfall