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According to Westmore pastor Rev. Kelvin Page, the primary purpose of the work day was to acquaint members of the congregation and friends of the church with the layout of the property and its potential for future ministry. “This was the first time anyone could truly walk the property without the potential of being in the path of a golf ball,” Page chuckled. “We have owned the land since last spring, but we were happy to allow the former owners of the property to continue to use the course for recreational purposes until we were closer to formulating our vision.” The Rolling Hills property was officially turned over to Westmore on November 1. The workday consisted of clearing tons of debris from areas that had accumulated trash over the years. Several dozen tires were taken to the local landfill, while piles of trash were gathered on all parts of the property. Other teams of workers spent the morning hours clearing brush and small trees from the banks of Candies Creek and from an area to the left of the former second hole fairway. Preliminary plans are for the construction of a new Oneighty youth facility in that general area. Last month Westmore sold the current Oneighty at the corner of Candies Creek and Freewill Road to the Grace Point Church. “We couldn’t have asked for a more productive morning,” Page related. “It was a joy to see all generations participating – from elementary school children to retirees working side by side. We even had several people who are members of other local churches who just wanted to be there to help.” Organizing the work day was local developer Jim Sharp who has been a member of the Westmore Church for more than 30 years. Sharp has volunteered his services for at least the next 14 months as the church formulates the most productive use of the land. “Everyone knows Jim Sharp’s reputation for excellence in land development,” Page related. “He not only has a passion, but he has a burden for ministry and this is right up his alley. Part of the long-term vision of our church – years before this property ever became available – has been to provide functional and affordable housing for senior adults in this community, so we couldn’t have a better partner on this journey with us than Jim. He is a man of extreme integrity and has made it clear to us (Westmore) that he has no intentions of profiting from any portion of this project. Jim’s generosity of his time and skills will not only allow us to do more with the resources we have, but it will assure that this property will be strategically designed. We recognize this property is part of the history of this area and we intend to develop it in a way that will make Cleveland and Bradley County proud.” The Westmore Church of God has contracted with MG&A, a design-build firm in Birmingham which specializes in churches and religious property development. A master plan on the potential use of the Rolling Hills property is due by the end of this year. < Back to Legacy Report |
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Westmore Church of God - www.westmorecog.org |
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