Downtown churches add life to area, offer community programs
Citizen Patriot file photo
The addition at St. John's United Church of Christ cost $1 million and was designed for church and community use.
On a recent sunny day, laughter carried through the air downtown. Children zoomed down slides and climbed jungle gyms on a playground at Wesley and Francis streets.
"I'd like to think our presence adds zest and a spirit of life to the downtown area," said the Rev. Bernard Reilly, parish priest at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 116 E. Wesley St.
He referred to the playground used by St. Mary's Child Care & Development Center, Pre-kindergarten and Grade School, that occupies the same block as the church. School administrators say the center and schools attract about 300 students on weekdays.
St. Mary's is one of many examples of how churches exert a vital impact on downtown Jackson.
"Downtown churches are a godsend," said Toby Budd, neighborhood development director for the Community Action Agency, a nonprofit agency dedicated to fighting poverty.
"Most people don't realize the debt of gratitude they owe these anchors, which have chosen to invest in their downtown locations rather than relocate to the suburbs," she said.
Citizen Patriot file photo
The Rev. Dr. Larry Walters stands by the addition to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 309 S. Jackson St.
As a case in point, downtown churches were the driving force behind Partnership Park, an initiative designed to improve the standard of living for residents within a 23-square-block area downtown, Budd said.
St. John's United Church of Christ, 800 S. Mechanic St., hosts monthly meetings, serves as a collection center for baby-shower donations and hosts an after-school enrichment program, among Partnership activities.
"The German immigrants who built St. John's church 101 years ago were grateful for the help they received from the surrounding area," said the Rev. Jay Cummings, pastor. "Once the church was established, members wanted to give back to the community; this spirit of giving continues."
The after-school program, held twice a week in St. John's gymnasium and classrooms, provides help with homework and offers free snacks and recreational games for kids ages 6 to 15, among offerings, Cummings said.
About seven years ago, St. John's invested more than $1 million for an addition and renovation that has enabled it to host such programs, Cummings added.
"The public benefits from these activities, but we do, too," he said. "Reaching out to a greater cross-section of the population has broadened our horizons and helped us build better relationships with our neighbors."
Trinity Lutheran Church is equally committed to its location at 122 W. Wesley St. Nine years ago, the church had an opportunity to buy land in a rural area at an affordable price, the Rev. Doug Krengel said.
Instead of adding a site, the congregation refocused its resources on the downtown location. The church also owns and operates Trinity Lutheran School, 4900 McCain Road.
"We wanted to uphold the legacy of the 88-year-old building and serve the needs of our neighbors," Krengel said.
First United Methodist Church has never considered any location other than its current one, 275 W. Michigan Ave., said the Rev. Ed Ross, head pastor.
"The prospect of moving has never even been breathed. Our mission is to make disciples, and you can do that anywhere," Ross said, adding that the 178-year-old church has invested about $3 million in recent years on major improvements.
"It's true that one of the least economically advantageous areas in the county is within a mile of our building, but the solution is not to leave — it's to get involved in the community," Ross said.
Members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 309 S. Jackson St., discussed moving elsewhere four years ago, but affirmed their identity as a downtown church, said the Rev. Dr. Larry Walters.
The congregation was established in 1838. The current building was erected in 1853.
"St. Paul's was here when this was still Jacksonburg," he chuckled.
Building maintenance can be expensive. St. Paul's has invested more than $3 million in its structure, including renovating its stained glass windows and building a fellowship hall and an education wing.
"Historic treasures are beautiful, but they are money pits," Walters said.
The additions were designed with the community in mind. The church annually hosts refreshments for the public in connection with Trunk or Treat activities, hosts Partnership Park appreciation dinners and holds social and athletic events for the public, including volleyball games, Walters said.
"We've made a choice to blossom where we're planted," Walters said. "We are a Jackson city church, and we are proud of that."