Article in Parkersburg newspaper (Parkersburg News and Sentinel)
By JODY MURPHY, jmurphy@newsandsentinel.com
Frank Bounds stands in front of the fellowship hall at the Sanctuary of Hope Church at 811 Lodge Court near Market Street. (Photo by Jody Murphy)
PARKERSBURG -A home missions church has found a new home in downtown Parkersburg.
The Sanctuary of Hope Church, a United Pentecostal home missions church, has purchased the former Nemesis Shrine Temple at 811 Lodge Court near Market Street. Frank Bounds and his wife had been renting a building in Mineral Wells after coming to the area from Salt Lake City.
Fred Tipper, head of the Nemesis Shrine’s trustees, said the building and adjacent parking lot had been sold to the church for about $200,000, which is about half the initial asking price.
When the building was first put up for sale, it appraised for about $420,000, according to Tipper, who said the original appraisal was based on commercial real estate prices. Tipper said more recently the building (more than 7,000 square feet with a 38-space parking lot) appraised for about $220,000.
The building had been on the market for about three or four years, while the Shriners built a site at Watson Road.
“It was time and it certainly helped us,” Tipper said. “We have been very fortunate in our new building.”
Tipper said the new owners initially approached Shrine leaders about renting the site but soon realized they could afford to purchase the lot.
“When we told them what we would accept, they got a different attitude,” Tipper said.
Tipper said the building didn’t require much renovation, but it had been vacant for some time.
“You never know when something is vacant,” he said.
The Boundses had spent more than 15 years building a church in Glen Ferris, W.Va., where their son still ministers. A second son ministers at churches in Zanesville.
Bounds has already started renovations and services on the site. When complete, Bounds anticipates the building’s auditorium will seat about 250. He expects renovations to be completed in about three months.
“We hope to stay here,” Bounds said. “Retire here.”
