JACKSON — An agreement between a local religious organization and the township regarding the use of a historic church has received the go-ahead from the Jackson Township Council.
An ordinance authorizing the execution of a lease agreement between Jackson and the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church was adopted on May 13. The agreement will permit the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church to use the Harmony Church for religious services.
Representatives from both sides negotiated the terms of the deal over the course of several months. The congregation will move into the approximately 170-year-old house of worship on Harmony Road.
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church currently holds religious services at the Christa McAuliffe Middle School.
Under the agreement, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church will pay Jackson $10,000 rent on an annual basis for an initial 15-year term, with two additional 10-year renewals, for a total of $350,000.
But rather than paying the township directly, church officials will provide proof of renovation costs paid in the previous year as a credit against rent due.
In the past, representatives of the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church have said that significant interior and exterior renovations will be needed before services can begin for the congregation’s 200-plus members.
Harmony Church, which was constructed in 1844, does not have running water, indoor plumbing or a furnace.
Bruce Thompson, the president of the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church board of trustees, said only hard costs such as the installation of a furnace, a septic system and wells, in addition to labor costs, will count toward the rent payment. If renovation costs exceed $10,000 in one year, the extra money will be put toward the following year’s rent.
Church officials have said the renovations will include the installation of an access ramp, a bathroom, a second entrance, and a new heating and air conditioning system; the creation of two parking spaces for individuals who have a handicap and a minimum of 25 parking spaces on a gravel lot; the installation of a septic system; drilling a well; renovating windows, window frames and doors; renovating or replacing the front doors; renovating the exterior of the church steeple; renovating and refurbishing interior walls and floors; installing exterior lighting; and removing the existing outhouse.
As part of the agreement, the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church will make $150,000 worth of renovations within the first two years, covering rent for the first 15 years of the lease agreement.
Thompson said a total of $350,000 in renovations are slated to be completed before the agreement comes to an end.