The proposed sale is expected to force the food and clothing banks, and the essential pantry and warming center, to move. Depending on who or what type of entity puts in a bid to buy the property, the sale could reshape a prominent parcel between the city\u2019s downtown and a large west side residential neighborhood.<\/p>\n
Augusta resident Joseph Riddick, senior warden of the church, said the 40-member St. Mark\u2019s congregation, while now able to pay to maintain the buildings, won\u2019t be able to afford to do so long-term. Also, he and the Rev. Rebecca Grant, the church deacon, said the money they\u2019d spend maintaining and heating the aging facilities will be better spent on the church\u2019s focus of helping needy people in the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a building. It\u2019s a wonderful building, but our ministry is people,\u201d\u009d Riddick said, standing in the high-ceilinged St. Mark\u2019s Church, beneath its rows of elaborate stained-glass windows and among its wooden pews. \u201cWe\u2019re transitioning to a facility for our congregation that we can afford. And the money we use to maintain this campus, we\u2019ll take that money and help people, help those in need. St. Mark\u2019s Church continues and our ministries are going to continue, just in a different place.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n