Larry Kline
Havre Daily News
lkline@havredailynews.com
The Salvation Army plans to sell its vacant church building, and the organization's advisory board wants the public to have a say in how the structure will be used to serve the community.
The board will accept proposals from individuals and groups interested in developing the property until April 10, a press release said. The church was built using donations, Salvation Army social services director Trina Crawford said today. Board members want the building to continue to serve the public, she added.
“We're trying to decide what's the best thing for the community,” Crawford said. “We're looking at all options.”
Board members will review the proposals and make a recommendation to the Salvation Army division headquarters in Seattle.
She said several options have been discussed, but referred questions about those proposals to advisory board members who could not be reached for comment today.
The church, located in the 600 block of Second Street, has been empty since officers Ralph and Peggy Guthrie transferred to Lewiston, Idaho, in August. The thrift store and social services have continued to operate.
Utility bills for the empty church have meant that less money is available for social services, the press release said. Crawford again referred specific questions to board members.
She said the building has a basement, main floor and useable attic. It's several decades old, but structurally sound, she said.
“It's in pretty good shape actually,” Crawford said.
The board will accept proposals until 11 a.m. on April 10. Written proposals should be submitted to the Salvation Army at P.O. Box 418, Havre MT 59501.
Tours of the facility can be arranged by contacting Crawford at 265-6411.
