Second Acts
Closed Churches Discover New Roles as Youth Clubs, Condos and City Offices
By David Briggs
Religion News Service
Saturday, August 25, 2007

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Dozens of children chattered with excitement in a space where the faithful of the former Heights United Presbyterian Church once raised their voices in worship. The pews were gone, and the sanctuary had become the Heights Youth Club basketball court.

Overseeing the gathering was not a preacher elevated above the congregation, but a former basketball player surrounded by kids eager to have a place to play on a warm summer day.

What has not been lost in the transition is a sense of purpose and energy -- some even would say mission -- in this old brick building. the rest

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