Overseer and Pastor Michael Chapman of Gethsemane and St. John Baptist Church (Two Churches, Two Campuses, One Village) and his wife, Minister Ina Chapman donated $250,000 from WECGOD II (We Educate Communities Globally on Disparities) to the renovation fund of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church this morning during a press conference on Grape Street, in front of the oldest, historical preservation site in the Fruit Belt.
Opened in 1874, this $1.4 million restoration project was prepared by the Clinton Brown Company Architecture, PC of Buffalo, known for its renewing of historic buildings and heritage places.
“We will use our donation to begin discussions with local foundations to match it or do more to help us complete this restoration, which we believe will help us restore that community,” Pastor Chapman said. “We plan to begin the renovation in the spring, and it will include a renovation of the original sanctuary, the parsonage, kitchen, cafeteria and restoring the original pipe organ.”
WECGOD II had previously donated $400,000 to the project for a new roof, masonry work, a new boiler and stabilizing the building.
Jonathan D. Epstein from Buffalo News spoke with Reverend Chapman and Minister Ina regarding the church’s renovation and their plans for added amenities that will benefit the community. Click here to read article.
