All’s well with city, pastor
Differences between the city and Bible Baptist Pastor Patrick McDonald have been resolved amicably with respect to the conversion of an unused wing of the church into a residence for the pastor and his wife and their 10 children.
A building permit was issued to the church on Thursday after a verbal cease-and-desist order on construction work was issued to the pastor earlier in the week.
“The church is located in a B-2 zone where single and multiple-family residences are permitted,” said Jeff Johnson, director of the Department of Development. “They will be issued a certificate of occupancy when a final inspection confirms that all building codes have been met.”
“I made a mistake by beginning construction work without first obtaining a building permit,” McDonald admitted, “but there was no ulterior motive. I paid a double building permit fee in lieu of facing a misdemeanor.”
Neighbors complained at a July 25 city council work session that the church was in violation of a subdivision covenant because the pastor’s family was using a part of it as a residence and was in violation of the city’s building code because construction work was taking place without a building permit.
Their claims were subsequently confirmed during an inspection conducted by Johnson and the family was ordered to vacate their living quarters in the church and stop the renovation project pending the acquisition of a building permit.
Subsequently, the family found temporary shelter in a farmhouse and plans to remain there until the church renovation is ready for occupancy, McDonald said.
“There has been an outpouring of sympathy, support and offers of help from the community as well as distant locations, McDonald added, and we deeply appreciate all of the kindness that has been extended to us.”
He said a group of volunteers is expected to come in and hang sheetrock Friday and Saturday.
McDonald said he accepted a call to pastor Bible Baptist Church last May after serving as a missionary to Mexico for nine years. An electrician by trade, he agreed to spearhead the conversion of the northwest wing of the original church building from open space to living space for his family, with the understanding that he would pay rent to cover the cost of building materials.
