By SAVANNAH BARR

s.barr@bradfordera.com

There’s no place like home. After years of renting space in First United Methodist Church, Bradford Area Christian Academy hopes to stay put.

‘We are in very early talks to purchase the church,’ confirmed Michele Panek, administrator.

‘We gave a more formal offer at our last meeting with church officials.’

According to a copy of the church’s minutes provided to The Era in November, the church is scheduled to close July

BACA… page A-8

First United Methodist Church at 23 Chambers St. in Bradford, home of Bradford Area Christian Academy.

Era file photo 1. Church officials have denied making an official decision about its future. The Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church had no further information by press time Friday.

Bradford Area Christian Academy has rented space in the church since 2001. The private school meets the educational needs of students age 3 through the 12th grade with a biblically based curriculum.

While the offer is considered, an agreement has been reached that will ensure the school can stay put for at least another year.

“They did agree to lease us space for another year while they figure things out,” Panek said.

BACA’s enrollment has continued to rise during the last decade and the school has expanded accordingly. Purchasing the church would allow the school to continue this growth.

It currently serves 49 students and employs 14 staff members. In addition to a basic curriculum, music, art and gym classes are offered.

“There are lots of things we don’t currently utilize,” Panek said. “We could possibly grow to at least three times the size we are now if this purchase goes through.”

First United Methodist Church is a landmark structure in Bradford. According to Bradford Landmark Society’s website, it took three years and $200,000 to build with the final cornerstone being laid on April 30, 1926. The original building was 35,000 square feet and made of native limestone. The building was enlarged between 1956 and 1960 at a cost of $250,000. In 1962 the church became part of the Erie Conference and later part of the Western Pennsylvania Conference.

“The local congregation is the trustee of the grounds,” said Panek. “So any final sale would need to be approved by the Western PA Conference.”

Panek is mindful of the building’s historic and artistic merit. The thought of the building lying empty weighs heavily on her heart.

“I think of all the people who have worshiped in this place and what a blessing it has been for our students,” said Panek. “We are hoping that this works out but it is really in the Lord’s hands right now.”

At this point, Panek is asking for the community to support them through prayer.

“I would like to attempt a capital campaign eventually but not until it is actually official,” Panek said. “At this point I just don’t think it is an appropriate action just yet.”