Pocono News Section

Pocono Church Expands

Pocono Church Expands - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 4:48PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Thursday, May 22, 2008 @ 04:48pm EST
STROUDSBURG - While churches all across northeast Pennsylvania shut down, WBRE found one in the Poconos that's growing.

It may not sound as sweet as the hymns that normally come from the building on Seventh Street, but to the people who go to Christ Episcopal Church in Stroudsburg, hammers and saws are the sounds of success.

"We're very excited about this. It's something we've been planning for a couple years now," said Ardelle Starnadori. She's been a church member for nearly three decades. She said every year, they offer more services and it's been getting a little crowded.

"This was always a neighborhood church. Now we're more of a commuter church, people are coming in from all over the area," said church member Robert Barker.

While many churches are shutting down, this one is expanding. It started with a plan to fix a leaky roof, then grew into a big renovation project.

Church members donated enough money to add more room for its free health clinic and recovery groups.

Starnadori said, "It's just the excitement of being able to do something for other other people."

It's an excitement they hope continues long after the sounds of construction stop.

"We're very committed to being part of the community and we want to stay here," said Barker.

That church was built back in 1905. The renovation will also remove some 1950's architecture to restore the building to its original look.