A Michigan church is celebrating being debt-free after paying off its more than $2 million mortgage during the pandemic.
Just 14 years ago, Galilee Baptist Church moved into a new building in Kalamazoo’s Northside neighborhood, and the senior pastor said “it’s the community’s support that got them to where they are today: debt-free.”
Neighbors are quite familiar with the house of worship that has served them for about 60 years.
Senior Pastor Dr. Michael T. Scott said, “I believe that if we were not here, there would be a huge void being that we are located in this particular section of the Northside. We get a lot of walk-ins, individuals that are in the community that know that we are here, people are hungry, children need pampers, and individuals need financial support.”
When the church changed locations, it gained an expensive mortgage. The congregation was looking at 30 years of payments totaling about $2.5 million dollars. To knock down the debt quickly the church started doubling up on payments.
The final payment made just before the new year. A huge accomplishment during a time when so many churches are struggling.
Scott praised the congregation for helping them reach the goal so they can continue helping their neighbors.
On December 31, the church gathered for a “Mortgage Burning Ceremony” outside the building. “To God be the glory!” one person in attendance said as the document burned.