THE TIOGA COUNTY OPEN DOOR MISSION IS REVITALIZING A FORMER CHURCH IN THE HAMLET OF LOCKWOOD. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARY SOBOL SAYS THE GOAL OF THE REFURBISHMENT IS TO BRING THE BUILDING BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL USE AS A COMMUNITY HUB.
ITS UNITED METHODIST CONGREGATION MERGED WITH WAVERLY CHURCH IN 2018, AND SINCE THE MISSION TOOK OWNERSHIP, THEY’VE RUN A FOOD PANTRY THERE, BUT ENVISION A BUILDING THAT OFFERS SO MUCH MORE.
TO THAT END, THEY’VE BEEN CONDUCTING REPAIRS OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS. NEW FLOORING IS BEING INSTALLED IN THE 1950’S ERA COMMUNITY HALL, AND THE SANCTUARY, BUILT IN THE 1880’S, IS BEING SPRUCED UP. IT BOASTS INTRICATE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS THAT WILL BE BACKLIT TO SHOWCASE THEIR BEAUTY. NEW GUTTERS GRACE THE EXTERIOR, AND THE STEEPLE, WHICH STILL HOUSES ITS BELL, IS BEING REINFORCED. A FRESH COAT OF PAINT WILL BE APPLIED INSIDE AND OUT.
WHEN COMPLETE, THE MISSION PLANS TO EXPAND ITS FOOD PANTRY HOURS. THE NEW FELLOWSHIP ROOM WILL OFFER MEETING SPACE FOR AREA GROUPS, AND CAN HOST COMMUNITY MEALS, FAMILY REUNIONS, AND OTHER NON PROFIT GROUPS OFFERING THEIR SERVICES TO THE HAMLET. THE SANCTUARY WILL STILL BE USED FOR RELIGIOUS SERVICES AND WEDDINGS.
WORK ON THE LOCKWOOD CHURCH IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETE BY THE BEGINNING OF 2022.
