(This article was to have run in the May 31 edition of The Review. We apologize for the error, and will run it in next week’s edition.)
It appears that the Gingell House and Proper School might be spared after all.
Plans were in place for a team of developers to purchase the land on Baldwin Road for possible retail and condo buildings.
But those plans fell through, and Mt. Zion Church of Clarkston, in need of a new location for some of its programs, finalized a deal just two weeks ago to buy the old Christ the Redeemer Church. The agreement included the Gingell House and Proper School.
The Clarkston Christian Association unexpectedly sold their building, when a developer offered a ‘too good to refuse? offer, leading to the purchase of the Baldwin land.
‘It’s going to be used for the young adult ministry of Mt. Zion, which was housed at the CCA,? said Richard Nowik, who handles the church’s public relations, in addition to serving as pastor of the young adult ministry.
At the Gingellville location, Nowik said only Sunday evening services will be offered, though there will be young adult classes and life enrichment classes taught throughout the week.
He said the purchase, finalized on May 17, is of an eight-acre plot.
The building has housed the Journey Community Church for the past three years.
‘The church congregation is comprised of about 40 percent Lake Orion or Orion Township residents,? said Journey Community Church congregation member Beth Harris.
‘We purchased property at Ratalee Lake Road and I-75 last year, but aren’t quite ready for the building stage.?
Harris said the church will meet at Shepherd Fellowship in Waterford for the summer, and are looking at options for a long-term lease/home.
Meanwhile, the news of the sale comes as a relief for many Gingellville residents. A headline on the Gingellville website (www.Gingellville.com) read ‘Gingell House and Proper School SAVED!!!?
Orion Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk talked about how the previous development plan fell through.
‘There was a plan,? he said. ‘There were maybe three or four developers included.?
‘Over a period of time, a couple of the investors backed out,? he said. ‘Apparently they decided it was getting too complicated and it fell through.?
Dywasuk also noted that the location was being looked at as a possible site for a new fire station.
He said the township will talk with Mt. Zion in the coming days.
‘We had a conversation a few years back before there were any plans,? he said.
‘We will certainly entertain working with them, and I’m sure the schools will too,? Dywasuk said.
Dywasuk added that the purchase might give the community another common meeting place.
According to Nowik, Mt. Zion does not expect to make any major renovations at their new site, though minor changes are already underway.
‘It’s a beautiful sanctuary,? he said. ‘It fits about 400 people.?
According to the Gingellville website, Nowik and his wife will be moving into the Gingell House.
Some entertainment and other social functions will be held on the grounds for college-aged students on Friday nights, and concerts may be held on Saturday nights.
Nowik also noted that Mt. Zion would like to retain the ‘historic feel? of the property, especially the school building.
Clarkston News staff writer James Martinez contributed to this report.