Houghton Church Buying Former Shopko Building

Evangel Church in Houghton is moving forward with the purchase of the former Shopko building in Houghton.

Members of the church approved the purchase of the vacant building on M-26 and W. Sharon Avenue last Sunday.

The church released a statement Thursday that said the congregation plans to remain in their existing facility until this fall when they will move into the new facility.

A temporary sanctuary will be set up in part of the building while another part undergoes renovations.

The final renovations will be completed by next spring in time for Easter services.

“It will be like camping for a while,” said Levi Matteson, Lead Pastor of Evangel said during the business meeting on Sunday, “but we will finally, have enough parking.”

Matteson does not anticipate any disruption to existing ministries.

On Sundays, Evangel will continue to provide nursery care and Sunday school classes.

There will be even more room for Awana Kids Club in the fall, and MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) will meet in a comfortable, carpeted area in the new facility.

The church will continue serving college students, providing shuttle bus service between Michigan Tech and the new location.

“The ShopKo location will provide Evangel room to grow,” Matteson said. “And I’m excited that people will have an opportunity to mingle after the services. We got a taste of that after Easter services at the Rozsa Center. Having more space will allow us to better build community.”