Emmanuel Pentecostal Fellowship has officially moved on from its former location in North Battleford.
The fellowship had been located since 1995 at 1231-104th St. in what was the former Convent of the Child Jesus building. The building was built in 1928 with an addition built in 1972.
But the building was in deteriorating condition. According to Lead Pastor Kevin Mullin, the leadership evaluated the property and realized renovating would be “quite a costly endeavour.”
At that point they decided to commence the process to move. The property itself had been listed for sale previously through real estate, but there were no takers. The decision was made to proceed to public auction in the hope of expanding the reach of potential buyers.
That auction took place at Ritchie Bros. Thursday, June 24 and closed the following day at 1:20 p.m. The auction time was extended as bidding on the property escalated in the final minutes, driving the amount up from an initial $15,000 to the final sale price of $86,000.
The sale will be completed Aug. 10. Due to confidentiality, the buyer’s name wasn’t released by Ritchie Bros., but is known to be a developer located in western Canada.
“The leadership of the congregation were very excited and we are looking forward to the days ahead as we move into the future,” said Mullin. The final price was an “excellent number” that they were happy with, he said, and allows them to move ahead with future plans.
“We are happy with the final results of the auction and are looking forward to what the future holds for EPF, said Ian Bullerwell, EPF board of deacons member, in a statement. “Thank you to Ritchie Bros. for their support and auction services. They were great to work with and helped promote the opportunity throughout Western Canada.”
Now, the search is on for a new home for Emmanuel Pentecostal Fellowship. For the summer months, the plan is to hold weekly services outdoors at Central Park near the North Battleford Library, on July 11 and 25, and Aug 8 and 22.
Afterwards, they plan to rent a new venue which will serve as their base for services for the short term until they find a new permanent location. Mullin said two options include renting either the Northland Power Curling Centre or the Western Development Museum.
As for possible purchase sites, Mullin said they are keeping their eyes open. While there are a couple sites they are looking at, nothing is set in stone.
More than likely, Mullin said, they are looking at purchasing an established building rather than constructing a new facility, given the cost of building materials at the moment.
Mullin assures people the “church isn’t going anywhere” and will be continuing to minister in the community.
“As a church family, we are just looking forward to the future and seeing what ministry endeavours we can accomplish in the Battlefords,” said Mullin.
