A stained glass window at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Princeton, Illinois
At more than 170 years old, you might forgive a congregation for deciding that their ministry had come to an end when their 144-year-old church building was deemed uninhabitable. Not so for First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the city of Princeton, Illinois! When it became evident a couple of years ago that they could no longer remain in the 1870 building with a crumbling foundation, the congregation moved into temporary rented space and sold their parsonage and education/administration building, investing the proceeds with Disciples Church Extension Fund. With those invested funds, other investments and a Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) loan, the congregation then purchased a 6,600-square-foot commercial building for worship, administrative and commercial rental use.
In this new space, and with resources that once went to maintaining deteriorating buildings, the congregation is experiencing new life and growth. Says Building and Capital Services Advisor Jim Michel,
“The combination of new minister Laura Mahn’s energy and a congregation open to ‘being church differently’ in a more energy-efficient and flexible space provides the perfect storm for vital and growing ministry.” He adds, “DCEF was honored to partner with the congregation on their project.”
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) celebrated their new Holy Place at a recent open house for the community. You can read more about their story here.
Whatever your investment goals, contact us to find out how Disciples Church Extension Fund can offer you investment options at the intersection where value and values meet. Check out our current rates for individuals and for congregations.
Are you ready to build your first church, purchase an existing one, or buy more property? Let one of our advisors help you secure a loan with a competitive interest rate.