Eldred church holds mortgage burning ceremony

ELDRED The congregation of the First Church of God in Eldred marked the joyous occasionof themortgage burning ceremonyon Saturday afternoon through music and reminiscing.

For most churches, a mortgage is perhaps the largest expense and paying it off depends on faith and the congregations generosity,so not having thisindebtedness is certainly a cause for celebration.

Not only is the loan paid in full, but having an early repayment, as in this case, is even morereason for rejoicing.

John Mead opened the service with a guitar selection.

Pastor James Kazimer, an Eldred native, said when he returned to his hometown from Rochester, N.Y., the congregation was small just 10 members so he was not paid a salary as part-time minister. He took a second job in Wellsville, N.Y.

When I came here, the church building itself was old, the floor needed repaired and the church was unable to pay its bills due mainly to the economically depressed area, Kazimer said.

But, still the congregation grew, increasing the need for new facilities.

Kazimer credited a friend who attended the ceremony,the Rev. Bruce Wilson,who now pastors the Liberty Street Church of God in Clarion, with suggesting a capital campaign so we dont have to take money from the general fund.

That recommendation was accepted, and church members signed pledge cards for the building fund. Dinners and bazaars were also held to raise the funds.

Work began. Before construction of the Fellowship Hall was completed, a balance remained on that note.

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Eldred church holds mortgage burning ceremony