Major Rhode Island Church Selling Off 300 Acre Facility
GoLocalProv News Team
Major Rhode Island Church Selling Off 300 Acre Facility
American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island (ABCORI) has announced the sale of a multimillion-dollar, 300-acre conference center.
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ABCORI is an association of 67 autonomous American Baptist congregations.
The facility is located in Exeter, on Exeter Road.
The town assesses the property at just $3 million but realtors tell GoLocal depending on the contour and ability to develop the land could be worth tens and tens of millions.
“Making a difficult decision that will have significant impact is never to be taken lightly nor approached casually. That is why the ABCORI Board of Ministries devoted several years to serious discussion, prayerful reflection, and careful review of extensive financial data, two special task force reports, related information from a variety of other sources, and ABCORI’s challenging insurance situation before making a decision about the future of ABCORI’s property,” said the Church in an announcement.
On July 9, the Board of Ministries voted unanimously to begin the process of selling ABCORI’s Canonicus Camp and Conference Center in its entirety.
“The sale of the property will generate funds to expand the ministries and programs ABCORI provides for its member churches and their pastors, as well as to develop new ministry opportunities,” said ABCORI.
“The details of the sale are yet to be determined. Possibilities include seeking a buyer(s) who would develop all or portions of the property for new uses and/or selling some or all of the property for conservation,” according to ABCORI.
Sharing Sessions Scheduled
"Recognizing that people within ABCORI churches will have questions about the board’s decision and the impact it may have on future ABCORI ministries and programs, the Board of Ministries has planned two sessions during which background information leading to the board's decision will be shared and ideas solicited for ways to move forward," said ABCORI.
The sharing sessions are scheduled for:
Saturday, August 24, 10-11:30 a.m. at Oak Lawn Community Baptist Church in Cranston (several steps are required to enter the building).
Tuesday, August 27, 7-8:30 p.m. at Wakefield Baptist Church in Wakefield (a ramp is available to enter the building).
According to ABCORI, "Individuals affiliated with an ABCORI church may register for a sharing session electronically. Registration also may be made by sending the following information to [email protected]: name, ABCORI church affiliation, telephone number, and email address. To register via telephone, please call (401) 294-6318 and provide that same information.