BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

A deacon at a historically African American church confirmed a local bank has filed foreclosure paperwork. However, he said the church is currently in negotiations with the bank in an effort to resolve the issue.

An article in the St. Pete Times newspaper stated that the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 405 N. Oregon Avenue, defaulted on a $1.4 million loan from Fifth Third Bank. The collateral is existing church property.

Deacon Rufus Spencer, a lifelong member of the church stated, “Our church will not be closed. The bank had begun foreclosure procedures, but they are willing to work with us to resolve the problem. We are grateful and appreciative to them.”

Spencer further stated that there is nothing new about their situation and that the membership is aware of everything that is going on.

“We are pressing on and we are still looking forward to building our new edifice. It will just take time because of the economy. We are asking the public for their prayers and support.”[private]

In 2007, the church purchased 43 acres of land adjacent to I-4 near Sligh Avenue. The cost of the land was $1.1 million.

After the article appeared in the newspaper, Spencer said they conducted an investigation and determined the source. “It was narrowed down to a non-member who apparently made some accusations to the St. Pete Times, but whatever he said is not true. We are used to them writing anything they can about Dr. Lyons.”

Spencer also said the church has removed Jacob Dyck of his role “but not because of any wrongdoing.”

Founded in 1906, New Salem M. B. Church moved to its current location in 1950. Rev. Dr. Henry Lyons has been its religious leader since 2004. [/private]