Almira congregation to take over Coulee Dam church

The Almira Community Church will soon occupy the former Presbyterian Community Church in Coulee Dam.

The Almira congregation voted overwhelmingly June 12 to acquire the historic stone church and develop a second campus.

Almira pastor Paul McArthur said Tuesday that the congregational vote was 49-0 in favor, with one undecided.

“We plan to have our opening in Coulee Dam on Oct. 2,” McArthur stated.

The church plans later to address a roof problem, and plans some work days.

“We are very happy to add the new campus, and look forward to serving the communities there,” McArthur said.

Jerry Kennedy, who sat on the Presbyterian committee that made the decision in favor of the Almira congregation, said Monday that the church ownership will pass as soon as the title can be cleared.

The two groups had been in negotiations for several weeks, working out the details of the transfer.

The stone church has been idle since the end of last year when the Presbyterian congregation, which had dwindled to just a few families, decided to close the doors.

It had been reported that the Almira congregation is made up of well over 100 members, and that there was interest in developing a second sacred campus.

The stone church will pass from one group to another, without any monetary exchange.

Kennedy, a longtime member of the Presbyterian Church, said he was pleased that the property will pass on to another church organization.

The Rev. Paul McArthur and members of the Almira congregation had met with presbyterian officials several weeks ago and then scheduled the vote of their congregation.