MANSFIELD — A snow-covered pile of bricks frequently covers the lot across from First English Lutheran this time of year.
But come spring, the church hopes to introduce a playground and green space.
Demolishing rundown structures and improving distressed properties are usually tasks reserved for wealthy investors or the Richland County Land Bank.
But the historic congregation is making an exception to the rule. The church purchased the property adjacent to its parking lot and had the building, which once housed the Flippin law office, demolished.
“The building was starting to fall into disrepair and if it had gone much longer it probably would have turned into a kind of an eyesore for the downtown community,” said Pastor Paul Larson.
“We knew that we wanted some great green space for the children in our early learning center to be able to play right downtown in a nice, safe space; so we decided we’d purchase it, take (the building) down and create a great space for our kids.”
Andy Kershaw, property manager for the congregation, said he’s learned a lot from local contractors about all it takes to rehab a property — from getting asbestos abatements to complying with all the necessary codes and permits.
“There’s been a few challenges,” he said.
The costs of purchasing the land, tearing down the building and installing the playground are being covered by parishioners, who Larson said have been very generous and supportive of the project.
“I think they see our early learning center as a wonderful opportunity to show Christ’s love to the kids and the families in our community,” he said.
In addition to expanding its ministry opportunities, the church hopes that upgrading the lot will have a positive impact on the appearance of downtown Mansfield.
Angie Murphy, a teacher with the Early Learning Center described it as the church’s way of contributing to the rebirth of downtown.
“If we can keep up with the improvements, it brings more people to our town,” she said.
Keeping church-owned property well-maintained has been a consistent priority for First English Lutheran. The parish even won the Mansfield Men’s Garden Club’s 2019 beautification award for landscaping.
“This is obviously a large building and so it’s important to make it look good for this area,” Kershaw said.
Larson echoed that sentiment.
“God is about all things beautiful and I think we simply reflect the beauty of his image and his love when we create a beautiful space, inside and outside,” Larson said.
Early learning center students won’t be the only ones to benefit from the new space. The church plans to use the playground for its youth group and latchkey programs as well.
The church’s current playground is small — only big enough for 24 children — and was designed for preschool age children.
Larson said the parish may erect a community center on the lot in the future, but for now it’s taking things one step at a time.
