LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — Bethany Church is moving to sell its Lower Macungie campus to St. Luke's as the hospital network plans new offices.
Pastor Dave Alderson said that many left the church when it changed pastors, and then the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, making it difficult to support the location financially.
"And it wasn't long that St. Luke's was in contact with us, and we thought, what a benefit to have another organization that's non-profit, works really well with the community."
Coming to the Lower Macungie Township Zoning Hearing Board, Alderson said the church has entered an agreement of sale with St. Luke's to take over the 3801 Brookside Road property.
"We can't afford to keep two buildings going, and that was when we decided, along with the strategic planning committee, that it was time to sell," Alderson said.
"And it wasn't long that St. Luke's was in contact with us, and we thought, what a benefit to have another organization that's nonprofit, works really well with the community."
The other location for the church sits just over three miles away in Wescosville.
Various services, no overnight stays
Use of the property as a medical office building initially was not allowed by the township's zoning variances, in part because of the presence of a petroleum storage tank within 1,000 feet.
The property contains a concert venue, educational spaces, and a worship hall. It also contains sports facilities such as indoor basketball and outdoor fields used for soccer and other events.
St. Lukes's Vice President of Finance and Real Estate Mary Jane McKeever said no overnight stays are planned for any patients at the locations, but various medical services are planned as well as meetings, training sessions and potentially continuing sports programming and daycare.
She said plans currently call for additions to the building, depending on what St. Luke's decides to bring into the property.