Spreading a vision through community service

By Jennifer Tanner
The Valdosta Daily Times

May 27, 2006 01:53 am

— VALDOSTA — A local church is making its vision known through more than just preaching at Sunday services. Christ the King Episcopal Church has a strong presence in downtown Valdosta and is well-known for fully utilizing the historic building it occupies to benefit the church and for the public.
After its first big project, a coffee shop named Hildegard’s, was successful, the parish is now ready to tackle another project. Both follow the same vision to bring people in the community together — all people regardless of religion, status, race, etc.
The restaurant offers books on life and religion from all over the world; it showcases the talents of local performers and artists and it offers a place for people to gather for good food seven days a week.
The new project will also bring people together, but with a focus on maintaining wellness. The parish purchased 117 N. Patterson and 119 N. Patterson in December 2005 to open as a community center named for the patron saint Thomas Aquinas. A variety of classes are held at the center, each available free to all students.
“We didn’t want to see a beautiful old building go to waste,” White said. “So we have taken full advantage of the church’s location by adding Hildegards and we will do the same with the Aquinas Center.”
Now, the Aquinas Center boasts classes in yoga, dance, spinning, karate, Tai Chi and much more. Each is taught by a volunteer that is fully certified and legitimate. While some classes may require nominal purchases (yoga mats and workout attire), the main requirement is that each class is available free to anyone who wants to attend. Participant age requirements are determined by class material and instructor.
“The center will honor everyone; it will be open and inclusive of all types of people,” the Rev. Stan White, pastor of Christ the King Episcopal Church, said. “We really want to see downtown as more of a village where people come together and interact on a regular basis.”
Many classes were already being held in various places within the church. They have now come together in the Aquinas center with other classes added when instructors contacted the parish.
After the location, just down from the church, was purchased, renovations began. Thanks to a $10,000 grant from ASA Engineering, the exterior was repainted and the storefront was repaired.
Albert Slone, owner of ASA, was glad to help the center that would focus on health and wellness classes that would be available to everyone with no strings attached. Slone not only works downtown, he lives there too. He approached the church about the financial gift because he was excited the church would promote such a wonderful thing for the downtown community.
“The center is inclusive of everyone. No questions asked about personal beliefs, just the extension of kindness, caring and compassion to everyone,” he said. “I like that type of thing and ASA was proud to support it.”
White was very thankful to the company and explained why he thought ASA chose to give: “The values of ASA were similar to ours. It was a good match and we are greatly appreciative of the gift.”
Future renovations include recarpeting, repainting the interior, beautification of bathrooms and other facilities as well as adding signs, awnings and outdoor tables. It will most likely follow a color scheme similar to Hildegard’s with charcoal and off white.
“This will benefit the community,” White said. “People that may not be able to attend fitness classes elsewhere can come here. The classes help them keep in shape as well as boost self esteem.”
The church will pay for all utilities so there is no membership fee. White explained that the church is looking for more sponsors to help keep the costs the church will incur affordable.
“We hope this will become a downtown activity hub with lots of open classes. We invite everyone to come tryout a class and get involved,” White said. “We want this to go beyond fitness, maybe add a school of art with free drama, art and music lessons, an specialty classes in language or healthy cooking.”
Contact the church, 247-6859, for a list of current classes or for more information about Christ the King, Hildegard’s or the Aquinas Center.

Aquinas Center
Contact: the Rev. Stan White, pastor
Phone: 247-6859
Location: 117 N. Patterson St.
Hours: vary, determined by instructor

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