New pastor starts at North Point Chapel in Albion

Ben Curfman of North Carolina likes character of historic church at Courthouse Square

Photos by Tom Rivers: Ben Curfman is the new pastor of North Point Chapel at 19 North Platt St.

ALBION – The new pastor of North Point Chapel already has been struck by the friendliness of the Albion community.

Ben Curfman, 35, and his family moved to Orleans County about three weeks ago. Curfman, his wife Rebekah and their six children relocated to Albion from the mountains of western North Carolina.

“We have a lot to learn from the locals, but the community has been very friendly and welcoming to us over the past few weeks,” Curfman said.

He comes to North Point Chapel as their second pastor since the church began in 2016. North Point is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, but the church is independent.

North Point is located in the former home of the Albion United Methodist Church. That congregation has since merged with the Disciples United Methodist Church on Route 237 in Clarendon.

Ben Curfman and his family moved from the mountains of North Carolina to Albion.

Curfman said he likes how the North Point church building is located in the historic Courthouse Square with many key sites, services and residents within a close walking distance.

He also was drawn to historic and spacious church building that can be used to serve the community.

“There is a great group of people to work with here and a beautiful facility with lots of potential,” Curfman said. “We believe North Point Chapel can be a powerful encouragement to Albion and Orleans County.”

The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building has been under extensive remodeling since it was acquired in 2017 from the United Methodist Church.

“I like serving in a place with character and that has history,” he said. “I like being in a walk-in community where we can know our neighbors.”

Curfman and his family plan to move into the parsonage next door soon.

“We are excited to be at the ground zero of ministry in the village and hope to be good neighbors to those living near the church,” he said.

Curfman was one of three pastors at a church in Asheville, North Carolina. He felt a calling to come to Albion and build a ministry in Orleans County.

“I totally believe God can change people and communities,” he said. “We have a gospel that changes people.”

The Sunday morning services are at 10:30 a.m. each week, and all are welcome to attend.

“We study verse by verse through books of the Bible, so we get the big picture and don’t skip any details or difficult parts,” Curfman said. “It’s a great opportunity to learn whether you have been a Christian for a long time or if you have never read the Bible before. I would encourage anyone interested to reach out to me and share their story or helpful information about the community as we settle into Western New York.”

For more information about North Point Chapel, visit the church website at www.northpointchapel.org or email Curfman at pastorben@northpointchapel.org.