Money problems plague Lehigh’s first church

The oldest church in Lehigh, one that several other churches started their ministries in before building their own churches, is in financial trouble and a spokeswoman for the church said the board of elders and the congregation have decided they have to put the church and the property up for sale.

"We can't continue like this with the finances the way they are," said Ada Thompson, the moderator of the First Community Congregational Church at 200 Leeland Heights Blvd. She speaks for the board and the members of the church. Pastor Deb Frysinger is the pastor.

Thompson said the church has a clear mortgage with no liens against it but that normal expenses and other unexpected expenses like problems with air conditioning and an unexpected problem with the septic system plus other bills have put them in a position of spending more money than the church is taking in.

If it continues, Thompson sees more serious financial problems ahead.

"We have to pay our bills," Thompson said.

Other churches in the area are facing some of the same problems. In fact, Thompson said a church closed a few weeks ago in the Buckingham area because of financial problems.

Thompson also noted that the congregation and those who attend are not able to give offerings to the church like they were before the 2007-08 dip in the economy.

"But most are giving what they can," said Pastor Frysinger.

The First Community Congregational Church was named "First" because, according to Thompson, it was the very first church constructed in Lehigh back in the late 1950s. Those who founded the church are deceased today.

"Those 30 or more people worked hard to build this church. After it had been constructed, there were other church groups in Lehigh who wanted to erect their own churches.

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Money problems plague Lehigh’s first church