YSU considers buying church near campus

By HAROLD GWIN

VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — A church at Wick and Lincoln avenues may become a part of Youngstown State University.

Pilgrim Collegiate Church is at a strategic location for YSU, right at the southeast corner of campus, said John Hyden, YSU executive director of facilities.

It’s directly across Lincoln from Jones Hall, noted Hunter Morrison, director of YSU’s Center for Urban and Regional Studies. Jones Hall, named for the university’s first president, Howard Jones, was built in 1931 and was the first building erected for the university.

The church is at the corner of campus seen coming up Wick Avenue from downtown, Morrison said.

“We are interested in selling,” said Jack Barton, president of Pilgrim Collegiate and its successor, Faith Community Church.

Pilgrim Collegiate vacated the church at Wick and Lincoln in 2000 when it merged with Bethlehem United Church of Christ to form Faith Community. Church activities have since been centered at 1919 E. Midlothian Blvd.

New Beginnings Outreach Ministries leases the Wick/Lincoln facilities and subleases some space to The Greater Youngstown Point, an agency providing services to the homeless and other programs.

For complete story, see Monday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.