Church Leaders Say They Won’t Lose Their Church to Foreclosure

BOSTON By the end of March, the nations largest black bank could foreclose on one of Bostons historic black churches. Charles Street African Methodist Episcopal Church has existed for nearly 200 years, and has worshipped in its Roxbury building since 1939. And the congregation shows no signs of leaving.

Keeping The Faith

Parishioners sang and prayed much like they do on any Sunday, but this Sunday the specter of foreclosure influenced much of the service at Charles Street AME church in Roxbury.

The Rev. Gregory Groover

God is bigger than any institution, The Rev. Gregory Groover told the congregation. God can work all things out. If were faithful, and trust God, he will see us through.

You are not losing this church, Ross Martin, from the law firm of Ropes and Gray, told parishioners from the pulpit. Martin has represented the church for free over the last two years in a messy battle against OneUnited Bank.

Martin said he is trying to negotiate with the bank. Other financial institutions in the city have come forward to help.

As you all know, March 22nd is the day the bank has supposedly scheduled to have a foreclosure sale on this church and on the pastoral house and another building, Martin said. Thats still a long way in these kinds of disputes. These things come down to the last moment more often than not.

Martin asked church members to stay steadfast and strong.

It wasnt clear just how parishioners are feeling about the possibility of losing their church. Many didnt want to speak about the high-profile situation, deferring all questions to the pastor and attorney.

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Church Leaders Say They Won’t Lose Their Church to Foreclosure