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Historic central Indiana church needs $38K to avoid razing

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Supporters of a historic church that has served as the gateway to a central Indiana community for more than a century are trying to raise more than $38,000 in just over a week to save it from demolition.

The Indianapolis Star reports (http://indy.st/2otIz03 ) a plan for developers to convert St. John United Church of Christ in Cumberland just east of Indianapolis into senior housing with 60 units hit a snag when the project didn't receive federal housing tax credits required for redevelopment. It's on a waiting list, but the congregation needs $75,000 by May 4 to pay for the maintenance or the structure could be razed as soon as June 1.

So far, the preservation group Indiana Landmarks has pledged $25,000 and private donors say they'll provide another $12,000.

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Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com

This Feb. 10, 2015 photo shows the St. John United Church of Christ in Cumberland, Ind. Supporters of a historic church that has served as the gateway to a central Indiana community for more than a century are trying to raise more than $38,000 in just over a week to save it from demolition. (Kelly Wilkinson/The Indianapolis Star via AP) The Associated Press
In this Feb. 10, 2015 photo, Dr. Jimmy Watson, pastor at St. John United Church of Christ walks downstairs at the church in Cumberland, Ind. Supporters of the historic church that has served as the gateway to a central Indiana community for more than a century are trying to raise more than $38,000 in just over a week to save it from demolition. (Kelly Wilkinson/The Indianapolis Star via AP) The Associated Press
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