From Buffalo News via TitusOneNine:
After 59 years on Delaware Avenue, offices will move in accordance with a ‘new vision’
By Jay Rey
NEWS STAFF REPORTER
Updated: June 16, 2010, 6:57 am
Published: June 16, 2010, 10:03 am
The Episcopal Diocese of Western New York is leaving its Delaware Avenue home of almost 60 years and relocating to one of its churches in the Town of Tonawanda, the diocese announced Tuesday.
The diocesan office will be moved to the former St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church at 1064 Brighton Road.
It was a difficult decision, because the building at 1114 Delaware Ave. has been home to the diocese since 1951.
“This move signals a shift in perspective and a new vision for our ministry in the 21st century,” Bishop
J. Michael Garrison said. A split at the former St. Bartholomew’s Church left a very small congregation, and its members eventually decided to attend services at other parishes, said Laurie Wozniak, a diocesan spokeswoman.
That left the diocese — which owns the Brighton Road property — facing a decision to sell or reuse the church.
Diocesan leaders met Monday and discussed options.
For several reasons, leaders agreed to sell the Delaware Avenue building and renovate the Brighton Road site for its new ministry center.
It would have been costly to make the Delaware Avenue building handicapped accessible. Rewiring the building for today’s technology is also difficult.
The Delaware Avenue site also has limited storage space and separates staff onto several floors. The Town of Tonawanda site can accommodate gatherings of up to 200 people and addresses the need for added meeting space.
The diocese had considered relocating its offices five years ago, but it was too expensive a move.
Now, diocesan trustees will adopt a plan for renovating the Brighton Road building and financing the project.
Proceeds from the sale of the Delaware Avenue building will be used to fund renovations at the new site.
The Brighton Road renovations should be completed by 2011.
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