Posted on 08/22/2005 6:32:58 PM PDT by sionnsar
Despite evidence to the contrary, Christ Church, Somers Point, N.J., has not begun offering “drive-thru” Holy Eucharist, according to the Rev. Stephan P. Beatty, rector.
Fr. Beatty said he felt compelled to make that announcement on Aug. 21, because parishioners were unable to use the front door on that Sunday. On Aug. 15, an automobile jumped a curb and was driven into the front door while the driver was attempting to turn around in the parking lot. This is the third time the building has been hit by a motorist since the church opened in 1976.
“I think it is because of how the parking lot is situated,” the church secretary, Debra MacNeill, told The Press of Atlantic City. “We had two other ladies hit the gas instead of the brake and damage property.”
The city building officer has suggested that Christ Church install concrete-filled poles in front of each parking space to prevent further “drive-thru” incidents. As it is now, the only thing separating the parking lot and the church building are some bushes and the curb.
Fr. Beatty, who was on vacation when the incident occurred, said the church has not received a final damage estimate from its insurance company, but it appears that the cost will be under $10,000 to repair. The primary result is inconvenience as a stairway connected to the entrance provides the most direct route from the church to the undercroft.
“It didn’t really poke a hole in the wall,” Fr. Beatty said. “It just kind of pushed the brick in. Fortunately no one was hurt. Unfortunately, the wall will have to be replaced.”
Pre-school teachers were in the church basement preparing for the start of the new school year when a car driven by Marie Cenat was attempting to turn around in the parking lot. Ms. Cenat was shaken up, but otherwise uninjured and her car was towed. No tickets have been issued.
Oh my stars!!!
"Drive-thru Eucharist?" SHHHH!! Don't give the rest of the Episcopal Church ideas....
Odd. No images I discerned in posted material.
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