What we all know:
The Church on the Bayou Presbyterian Church, a Tarpon Springs landmark since 1888, is shutting down after struggling repeated hurricane harm. Hurricane Helene flooded its sanctuary and fellowship buildings final yr. Hurricane Milton adopted with damaging winds and rain that tore by skylights and brought on in depth leaks.
Already dealing with declining attendance and the retirement of its lead pastor, the congregation determined to promote its five-acre property on Whitcomb Bayou to a different church for $2.4 million.
The backstory:
For many years, The Church on the Bayou served as a protected gathering house for Tarpon Springs residents. Members worshipped outside throughout the pandemic and hosted milestone occasions, memorials, and group providers on its campus alongside the Anclote River.
Longtime member and Treasurer Susan Conrad mentioned the choice to shut was heartbreaking, however the likelihood to provide again made it significant. She mentioned, “Individuals discuss, it’s so unhappy that that is closed. However then had we not offered this, we might not have the ability to do what we’re doing.”
Why It Issues:
As a substitute of holding on to the proceeds, church leaders selected to channel the cash again into the group. They’ve begun distributing funds to 22 native colleges and nonprofits, together with:
- $25,000 to The Salvation Military
- $500,000 to The Shepherd Middle
- $30,000 to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Occasion & Scholarship Basis
- $50,000 to Hero to a Baby
- $25,000 to Tarpon Springs Excessive College
Upcoming donations embrace $40,000 to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and $150,000 to Tarpon Springs Elementary, one of many metropolis’s lowest-income colleges. That cash will go towards classroom provides, a clothes closet, and a brand new playground.
The Supply: This story is predicated on reporting and interviews by FOX 13’s Jennifer Kveglis, together with conversations with congregation members and protection of the church’s donation occasions.
