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SALT LAKE CITY -- Members of the Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church used to fix and sell meals in the kitchen of their church for their food bank, bringing the church helpful revenue. But after water damaged the building and mold made the kitchen unfit, they stopped their food preparation.
The congregation doesn't have enough money to pay for the repairs, but members of the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable have stepped in to help by raising awareness in the community, getting the church on their way to reaching their goal.
Built in 1907 by the first African Americans in Utah, the church served for decades as a gathering place as well as a house of worship for years. But ground water from the State Board of Education parking lot has put an end to activities and gatherings. The pastor wrote a complaint to the Attorney General's about the state-owned parking lot and a return letter stated nothing could be done because the water problem came mostly from a stream or spring under the lot.
The role that this church has in the neighborhood, the historic nature of it, that's why we've been willing to help out and get involved.
–- Jim Child
Alan Bachman was the assistant A.G. who says writing that rejection letter haunted him, until he realized he wears two hats: that at the A.G.'s office and of the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable chairman. And as a person of faith may say, that was no coincidence.
"The Interfaith Roundtable, while we do like to have events where we talk together and help build bridges into communities, we also have to help save our members that are in trouble," Bachman said.
He called Pastor Nurjhan B. Govan with the news that the foundation could help with fundraising.
"I got a call, a message on my phone telling me, somebody wanted to speak to me at the attorney general's office and I noticed the name on the telephone message was the same as that on the letter," Nurjhan said.
Other community members are stepping forward to help, including an office of architects in the neighborhood.
"The role that this church has in the neighborhood, the historic nature of it, that's why we've been willing to help out and get involved," said Jim Child, of JRCA Architects "It's something that's interesting and we're very enthused about."
Scott Anderson of Zion's Bank has set up the AME Church fund for donations.* The church needs about $300,000 for renovations.
*ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
