Lyndonville couple will lead restored church in Middleport

Family of God Christian Center plans first service, dedication on Sunday

(Photo by Ginny Kropf at left) The former Fundamental Baptist Church in Middleport will reopen Sunday as Family of God Christian Center under the leadership of the Rev. Ashley and pastor Jose Casanova of Lyndonville. (Provided photo at right) The Rev. Ashley and Jose Casanova said they have found the perfect place to open their new church in Middleport, where their first service will be at 11 a.m. Sunday, followed by a dedication service at 4 p.m. and a dinner.

MIDDLEPORT – A Lyndonville couple with a passion for preaching are about to realize their lifelong dream.

On Sunday, the Rev. Ashley Casanova and her husband, pastor Jose Casanova, will open their first church in the former Fundamental Baptist Church at 56 Main St., Middleport.

The new church, called Family of God Christian Center, will have its first communion service at 11 a.m., followed by a dedication service at 4 p.m. Guest speaker will be pastor Deborah Rosa-Pabon from the United Methodist Church in Middleport.

When the Casanovas came to look at the church earlier this summer, Pastor Rosa-Pabon was there to greet them and welcomed them into the community.

The Casanovas have been looking for a space to start a church for some time. They have visited store fronts in several locations, but the Rev. Ashley said she just wasn’t getting the vibe. Finally, Jose said he did not want a storefront, and suggested they put the brakes on for a while.

“We are starting out with limited funds and we don’t have a congregation,” the Rev. Ashley said. “I felt defeated.”

Then she was sent some pictures of a church from a lady she met in Medina.

“The pictures were of a beautiful church,” the Rev. Ashley said. “Where is this church? Send me the address.”

Provided images: An older postcard shows the former Trinity Church in Middleport. (Right) Developer Rollin Hellner replicated the doors of the 1869 Fundamental Baptist Church and installed them in the restored building at 56 Main St.

The church was the former Fundamental Baptist Church in Middleport, built in 1869, which Medina developer Rollin Hellner and his company Hellner Development had purchased in June and restored. He mentored Job Corps students who helped with the project, said Alex Purnell, a realtor with Berkshire-Hathaway Zambito Realtors, who the Casanovas met when they purchased their home in Lyndonville.

The work included major restoration of the masonry and original steeple and replicating the original front entry doors, which Hellner built by hand from looking at old post cards of the church.

“I just wanted to see life put back in the church,” Hellner said.

When they looked at the church, Hellner showed them the communion plate and Bibles he had saved and the Casanovas were astounded.

“I asked him how old he was, because I couldn’t believe someone that young would have the compassion to save something so sacred,” the Rev. Ashley said.

The pastors knew they wanted this church, but also realized they didn’t have a lot of money. Hellner indicated he wanted $2,000 a month and that was more than the pastors could afford.

“Rollin asked us what we could afford and I told him $1,000,” the Rev. Ashley said. “He said he liked us and was willing to accept $1,000 a month. The fact he was so concerned is a blessing.”

The couple immediately began cleaning and planning for the opening of their first church.

“We are small in number, but mighty in power,” the Rev. Ashley said. “We want to do outreach, such as community dinners, and the first will be after the 4 p.m. dedication ceremony on Sunday. It has definitely been a journey.”

The topic of her first sermon at 11 a.m. Sunday will be “Restoration,” and the Casanovas invite everyone to attend.

“Just as Rollin restored the church, God can restore us,” the Rev. Ashley said.