United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Meeting Report
Jan. 24, 2010—Teleconference

Chairman Roy Holladay called the meeting to order just past 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time by calling on Aaron Dean for prayer. All Council members were present except for Doug Horchak. Clyde Kilough, UCG president; Jason Lovelady, UCG treasurer; and Larry Darden, UCG legal counsel, were also present.

Possible Purchase of Building for Terre Haute Congregation

Chairman Holladay asked Victor Kubik to give an overview with regard to the building under consideration. Victor Kubik then made the following points:

• The Terra Haute, Indiana, congregation lost access to their current rented meeting place over doctrinal reasons. The church that owned the building had begun reading our literature and decided to no longer rent to us.
• We came across a suitable property listed at $141,000, but offered $113,000, which was accepted.
• A donation of $27,000 was received toward purchasing a building, with a matching donation of $27,000, making at total of $54,000, or a net of $63,000 to purchase the property. United Church of God, an International Association, would be the owner.
• The property is a very nice, clean building and very well constructed. It is currently used as a tanning salon.
• There would be very little remodeling required—mainly removing partitions.
• After remodeling, the building could seat 75 people for services.

Victor Kubik mentioned that on Dec. 27 Jason Lovelady inspected the property. The administration said that they would like the Council to make the decision about whether or not to purchase the property.

Jason Lovelady explained that he went through the building with a local elder, who is employed in construction, and was impressed with the building. He noted that it is a new building (nine years old) and very well maintained and can be easily adapted to the needs of the local congregation.

Roy Holladay commented that the building policy stated that the monthly financing fees should not exceed what the monthly rent would be. Victor Kubik responded that he expects rent on a property in Terre Haute would be $600-800 a month. He said that they looked at a property for $500 a month, and it simply was not acceptable. He mentioned that financing it would be very comparable, including utilities.

Victor Kubik noted that the local congregation has worked with a local realtor, and there are no schools or other church buildings available for rent. He continued that the area has been scoured and due diligence has been used to find a property in the area. Roy Holladay read a question sent in by Doug Horchak, even though not present, who asked if the Council would approve other congregations of 30 to 40 purchasing a property like this.

Larry Darden commented that it appears this does follow the building policy and nearly half the purchase price is covered by donations.

Victor Kubik then motioned, Aaron Dean seconded and the Council members present unanimously (11-0) approved the purchase of the building.

The rest of the meeting was conducted in executive session.

-end-

Gerald Seelig
Council Reporter

© 2010 United Church of God, an International Association