Montrose - Daily Press

MONTROSE  — Montrose’s Christ Church of the Valley has found a new home — the site of the former Silver Jack Mining Co. restaurant and bar.

“The Lord moves in mysterious ways,” said member Gail Marvel, who is on the Montrose City Council.

The independent Christian church, which was established about a year ago, purchased the 10,000-square-foot building on May 20 for $660,000, after it had been on the market for about two years.

Joel Blocker / Daily Press Christ Church of the Valley purchased the Silver Jack Mining Co. May 20 for $660,000, after it had been on the market for little over two years. Christ Church of the Valley's first service in the new building will be on June 21. Advertisement

Church members are currently working on the site to get the auditorium and bathrooms ready for its first service in the new building June 21.

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Comments

bar fan wrote on Jun 22, 2009 7:15 PM:

" Gail Marvel,
just thought I would let ya know that you sound pretty judgmental and sarcastic for being such a "good christian." I know what a mortgage is. I also know what respect is - something your religion may not have taught you. way to go Just Thinking, thanks for setting it straight. this church won't last "




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ted wrote on Jun 22, 2009 3:59 PM:

" looks like jennifer doesn't use a real name either...there's no jennifer that goes to that church...so how would she know? "




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erw wrote on Jun 19, 2009 4:16 PM:

" I guess I think these negative comments that are attacking a Church of all things, probably stem from overwhelming guilt. Maybe when the Church is up and running ya'll should go and let the Gospel relieve you of your guilt. I think turnabout is fair play, we lost a church on main to a bar now we lose a bar to a church.

ps if this is all you have to whine about........you got it good! "




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Jennifer wrote on Jun 18, 2009 10:23 PM:

" Something that I find interesting is that the comments condemming a church for taking over a vacant building (that nobody else seems to have wanted) use nicknames like "native" and "hey now". Why is it that someone making a rude comment doesn't use their name? Gail has maintained a level of compassion while being the only one fielding these comments. If you are proud of making rude comments to a church, then be proud. And when you decide to visit and see the warmth and devotion of the congregation, you will be welcomed with open arms. "




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Gail Marvel wrote on Jun 17, 2009 7:14 AM:

" Just Thinking…Oh, I agree there’s lots of Scripture about debt, but I can’t recall a passage of Scripture that strictly ‘prohibits’ borrowing and going into debt. Rather than staying out of debt, it seems to me that the Bible emphasis is on how to handle debt. Obviously we need those teachings because most of us seem to be in debt! "




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Just thinking wrote on Jun 16, 2009 7:04 PM:

" Gail, here ya go. There's more besides these:

Proverbs 22:26 NIV
"Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts"

Romans 13:8 NIV
"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law."

2 Kings 4:7 NIV
"She went and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left."" "




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Gail Marvel wrote on Jun 16, 2009 6:52 PM:

" Native…You are correct. The City has a program of cost-sharing that helps property owners remove old rotten trees. This would include the Lutheran Church because they are a property owner. There are stipulations however, so anyone interested in the program should check with City Hall to see if their tree qualifies. This is Silly…Thanks for the compliment. "




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This is silly wrote on Jun 16, 2009 2:16 PM:

" I think its great for the church to use this space.
For those of you that state there isn't anything to do in this town; have you taken a look around? We have some of the most awesome outdoor activities.
I understand that this isnt for everyone, but it's something to do. I also agree that the night life here could use a tune-up, but it's hard to please everyone.
Gail, you handled all the negitive comments very well and kept your cool, for that I give you a pat on the back. Good Luck! "




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Native wrote on Jun 16, 2009 8:05 AM:

" And there is nothing wrong with having more churches. It doesn't matter what the building was intended for...God is what makes it a church, not structure or intentions. And church is much more important to entertainment....those of you that think differantly may want to take a closer look at your lives. Remember when we entertained ourselves with family games, and church activities? Why do we need bars and resturants to do it for us? My goodness...some of you need to grow up. Attack a church, and you are attacking God...good luck with that. "




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Native wrote on Jun 16, 2009 8:01 AM:

" Actually the City did help the Lutheran Church on Park Ave pay for the rotten trees to get cut down. I think they reimbursed the church half the cost of the work. "




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Gail Marvel wrote on Jun 15, 2009 5:17 PM:

" Just Thinking
I’m not familiar with a passage of Scripture that, “…specifically says not to put yourself in debt under any circumstance.” I normally read the NIV, so maybe you’re using a version which states things somewhat differently. Can you give me book, chapter and verse so I can see what I’ve missed? If individuals, as well as churches, are never to put themselves in debt then I’d say we’ve all missed the mark. "




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BaldJim wrote on Jun 15, 2009 2:58 PM:

" Now the building is occupied -- but off the property tax rolls, and no sales taxes from it.

Another cafe on East Main also went under for sales tax problems. It became a mental health clinic. "




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Just thinking... wrote on Jun 15, 2009 1:52 PM:

" Being a Christian church, in fact, having Christ in it's very name, then why have the congregants chosen to put themselves in debt in a bad economy...especially when the Bible specifically says not to put yourself in debt in any circumstance?

This church is already proving itself to be irresponsible and hypocrytical from a community perspective, but especially from a christian perspective.

Fortunately, bad churches are just like bad restaurants; they quickly out of business when they aren't enough patrons to support the bottom line.

Maybe a bar will end back up in the Silverjack afterall. "




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seems so silly to debate wrote on Jun 15, 2009 10:11 AM:

" people just don't seem to understand--the building has been sitting vacant for ages...nobody bought it to make it a restaurant because more restuarants can't make it here. this is a church that already exists they are just moving into a building and taking darn good care of a yard that had gone to weeds. thanks "




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Short Stack wrote on Jun 15, 2009 6:29 AM:

" Wow, with all this support for having Silver Jack to stay a restaurant and bar, I wonder why it went out of business to begin with.... "




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Gail Marvel wrote on Jun 14, 2009 5:34 PM:

" Alfred, Alfred…don’t believe all the rumors you hear. Lifer-er…I do feel your pain. I moved to Montrose in 1953, graduated MHS in 1966. My generation sang the song you sing today, “This town is boring, especially for younger people.” My daughter graduated MHS in 1991, same song and same verse. The law of supply and demand applies to churches as well as bars. Geeez---when we get a site we’ll get the word out. All the mounted animals on the walls are still in residence…sort of looks like the sacrifice took place before we took over ownership. "




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Newschick wrote on Jun 14, 2009 10:47 AM:

" Angel, what happened to the part of christianity that says though shall not pass judgment? Just because a person enjoys a night out, and cocktails does not mean they do not have a healthy relationship with god, or that they do not appreciate the sacrifices made by our 'heavenly' father. Your attitude is exactly why I choose to not attend church. "




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alfred wrote on Jun 14, 2009 8:46 AM:

" To accomodate entertainment buffs and help pay off the mortgage early, it is rumored that the church will sublease the bar section during non church hours
to serve holy wine { red or white} and cater to karoke fans 3 nites a week with a christian karaoke / disco "




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Life-er wrote on Jun 13, 2009 12:53 PM:

" Gail, I personally do not want to attack you but you have to understand that those of us that were born and raised know that there is a abundence of churches. We do not need any more. We need entertainment, whether that be in the form of a bar or resturaunt or something else. This town is boring, expecially for younger people. I feel that there could have been better uses for the building then a church. "




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KK wrote on Jun 13, 2009 12:49 PM:

" Angel, I agree with most everyone that states it should nto have been turned into a church.I believe in god and when I am able ( work) I go to church. But I also enjoy a night at the bar too. When I moved here several years ago and was trying to find a church to attend. Did you know there are at least 22 churches and there are some new ones since then. So I had choices. Please don't assume that we don't believe in god. We just don't want more churches when we have more then enough. "




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geeez wrote on Jun 13, 2009 9:56 AM:

" Gail that is an amazing bargin. Good luck to u guys and I hope that it goes well for you. You seem as if u have a little back bone in you. That is a good thing :) If you have a site would you please post it so we can visit your site and read a little about it? thanks "




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things change wrote on Jun 13, 2009 8:02 AM:

" for those who said it should stay a restaurant--it was for sale, empty for how long??? nobody bought it . and for those who say it cost a lot, how much do you think it costs to build a new church? it will make a lovely church and it was a bargain. thanks for filling a building that has sat empty "




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Gail Marvel wrote on Jun 12, 2009 8:23 PM:

" The asking price for the Silver Jack was $1.2 million; $660,000 is a bargain.

The money to buy the building comes from the bank…it’s called a mortgage.

We’re using lots Clorox.

The City doesn’t give money to churches. Recently however they did RENT space for a community assessment from the Cedar Creek Church (located in the old Masonic Temple).

You’re invited to join us…even if it’s only out of curiosity. You’ll notice right away that we’ve changed the menu. We’re now serving the Bread of Life…and we’ve replaced the spirits with The Spirit. "




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geeeez wrote on Jun 12, 2009 1:56 PM:

" Yea I'm ok with another church woo hoo power to them. However I agree they spent way to much money for it great if u had the money but I agree other ways that money could be spent. I dont know why but when I heard it was becoming a church I was a little upset. I just hope they are a good church and they dont act like they spend! Good luck to them, also I would spray almost any dark space down with holy water I have seen some things go down in that bar!! "




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bar fan wrote on Jun 12, 2009 11:11 AM:

" saved by grace,
Just because its another house of the lord doesn't make it a good thing. For those of who have actually lived here long enough to remember silverjack when it was open will remember what a nice old building it was. Now they're going to change it into a church??! what a waste! They had the perfect bar setup complete with a dance floor and pool tables. Montrose's economy has already taken a dump, now this. what i would like to know, is where did they come up with $660,000?! "




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angel wrote on Jun 12, 2009 9:57 AM:

" you people all think of is drinking and partying what about celebrateing the life that our havenly farther did for us his love and gave his only begottenson to die for our sins comron face it we need more spirtual churches then dum bars theres enough of them lets get it togeather theres enough vilenice as it is . "




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BJ wrote on Jun 10, 2009 8:38 PM:

" Hey now...way to go.
I laughed out loud.
Do you feel we are being held hostage here?
Thanks for the laugh! "




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Saved by Grace wrote on Jun 10, 2009 7:55 PM:

" Why is this a bad place for a church? IMO, it's as good a place as any. I'm happy to see a church use the building rather than another restaurant. Don't we have enough of those? "




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taxes wrote on Jun 10, 2009 4:16 PM:

" How much money did the city give the church. rumor has it the city paid some money to a church recently. "




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jess wrote on Jun 10, 2009 3:41 PM:

" although i think the price is outrageous what does it matter if the church purchased it or not??or what the building used to be?? are churches only to be poor shacks. if the church has loyal members who contribute to a fund and pay their tithes ,then good for them!! "




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Doug wrote on Jun 10, 2009 12:09 PM:

" Hey creeped out......maybe not a founding member...just doing some renovations to the ladies room!!! Lol "




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JWeee wrote on Jun 10, 2009 8:36 AM:

" I moved here from an area that went the opposite way... turned some old churches into bars! Personally I'd rather see a new bar/restaurant in that location, but whatever... at least it's occupied. Maybe they'll lease it out as a bar for Mon.-Sat. Nothing like a shot of tequilla with a holy water chaser! :o)

Come on Montrose... you ought to be able to come up with some good jokes here! You've been challenged... "




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Joe wrote on Jun 10, 2009 8:22 AM:

" Now is not the time to complain. All you ticked bar hoppers should have bought it. If you saved your $ for a $660,000.00 building instead of getting wasted all the time you might be able to afford a bar. This used to be a free country, dont try to change the churches also. "




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ReaL PERSON wrote on Jun 10, 2009 12:07 AM:

" What a Waste of a good space, that's too bad!

Must be nice not having to pay taxes, hmm maybe that's why there's so many churches in this town. "




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repent wrote on Jun 9, 2009 10:08 PM:

" We'll have a place to repent after watching a "R" rated movie in the same parking lot. Go Figure... "




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mister big wrote on Jun 9, 2009 7:49 PM:

" This is not a place for a church. What the heck are people thinking??? "




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hey now wrote on Jun 9, 2009 4:47 PM:

" that's funny, I guess the communion wine is...
______________

the above is an excerpt of a comment on this story. If you would like more, please send cash... "




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Sinanju wrote on Jun 9, 2009 4:16 PM:

" This is unfortunate. The place was designed and built to be a restaurant and bar. It should remain a restaurant/bar. For a church to pay that much money to obtain real estate is absurd. That money could have actually gone to helping people instead of towards a monument to someone's ego. A shame anyway you look at the situation. "




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anonymous wrote on Jun 9, 2009 3:43 PM:

" creeped out, are you serious? I really would like to know, and to darn it I agree, Montrose needs another restaruant/bar. I think we have plenty of church's "




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Oh Darn wrote on Jun 9, 2009 2:48 PM:

" I was really hoping someone would buy it and turn it back into a resaurant and bar. "




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creeped out wrote on Jun 9, 2009 7:43 AM:

" This is where the peeping tom goes to church. He was one of the founding members. "




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