Church buys land for $2.2 million for future home

A Presbyterian church bought land in Bethlehem Township for $2.2 million for use as its new home.

Grace Church Bethlehem bought the 24.32-acre property at 4301 Hecktown Road from the Order of the Barnabite Fathers Inc., a Catholic organization, according to Northampton County property transaction records.

Cindy Miller and Tom Skeans of SVN Imperial Realty in South Whitehall Township represented the buyer in the transaction, according to a news release. David Fretz of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach of Lower Macungie Township represented the seller.

SVN Imperial Realty worked with Grace Church since August 2018 on the acquisition, said Skeans.

The team from SVN Imperial Realty created a full market assessment for the church’s architect and marketing team.

Right now, Grace Church Bethlehem is planning its vision for the property.

“We are thrilled to have found a wonderful new location for our vibrant and growing church,” said Marnie Crumpler, senior pastor of Grace Church Bethlehem. “We are grateful for the years of ministry that the Barnabite Fathers had on the property and see ourselves continuing our ministry. We look forward to being a part of the community and love that our church will be in one of the fastest growing parts of the Valley.”

The church is in its planning process, including determining its current and future needs, getting to know its neighbors, and capital fundraising, Crumpler said.

Grace Church Bethlehem currently worships at Bethlehem Catholic High School, she added.

The church has 1,800 adult members, and is looking forward to having its own campus, she said.

“We will begin construction next year,” Crumpler said.

The work would involve demolition of the Barnabite Retreat Center so Grace Church can build a new church, she added.