After close to two decades of renting space around the city, New Hope Community Church is finally able to settle down.
“Our congregation will be 17 years old in September and this is our first facility that we’re going to have,” said Rev. Ken Walker, current and founding pastor.
He said the church signed a five-year lease for 15 Circle Dr. in Campbell Business Park and expects to take occupancy in time for the church’s birthday.
“It’s a huge step of faith for us because it costs a lot to take the lease and it costs a lot to have a lease for five years,” he said.
The congregation previously rented space at Cornerstone Hall on Sundays, as well as various locations through the city for study groups and other programming.
Walker said he expects programming to increase as a result of the more-permanent location, adding it could be the home to programs for people seeking substance abuse support, children’s study groups and bereavement groups.
The congregation has been looking for a home for roughly six years, he said, adding city zoning made it difficult to nail down a location.
“People identify with a location and they identify with brick and mortar, so we’re hoping new people will make their new church home with us,” he said.
Before the building can welcome new churchgoers, it must undergo extensive renovations.
“It’s just a concrete shell. It’s a brand-new facility so we need to change it from a warehouse into a chapel,” he said.
Renovations are expected to be complete by late August or early September.
