Cross Point Church of God purchases church on NE 16th Avenue
Press release from Colliers Gainesville
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Colliers GNV Commercial Advisory Team is thrilled to announce the successful completion of a significant sale transaction between the Presbytery of St. Augustine, Inc. (Seller) and Cross Point Church of God, Inc. (Buyer). The Colliers GNV Commercial Advisory Team adeptly represented the Seller, while April Garner of Watson Realty Corporation represented the Buyer. This landmark transaction officially concluded on May 3, 2024.
The property, formerly the home of Highlands Presbyterian Church, is a remarkable 14,088± sqft church situated at 1001 NE 16th Avenue in Gainesville. Built in 1960 and further expanded in 1995, it boasts a rich history and a multifaceted layout including a spacious sanctuary, fellowship hall, kitchen, and extensive classroom and administrative spaces.
Cross Point Church of God, previously known as Westwood Hills Church of God, has deep roots in Gainesville, having acquired the property at 1520 NW 34th Street in the mid-60s. Over the years, the congregation flourished, establishing not only a strong community but also a Christian school and daycare within the same building. However, in November 1991, tragedy struck when the church fell victim to arson, resulting in the complete loss of their previous structure.
Undeterred, the congregation rallied and erected the present building at the corner of 34th and 16th, accommodating their growing needs and those of their associated institutions. Pastor Jason Garner and his family, having relocated from South Carolina in November 2019, assumed leadership of Westwood Hills Church of God, which later rebranded to Cross Point Church of God in August 2022. Under Pastor Garner’s guidance, the congregation, numbering approximately 130 members, made the decision to sell their beloved property at the corner of 34th St and 16th Ave.
The acquisition of 1001 NE 16th Ave marks a new chapter for Cross Point Church of God, providing them with a strategic foothold in a vibrant community ripe for outreach ministries. This move symbolizes not just a change of address, but a commitment to fostering lasting relationships and impacting future generations positively.
Accompanying the church in their transition is Love N Care Preschool, a cherished institution set to continue its mission within the new premises. Currently, renovations are underway both inside and outside the building, with the first phase aimed at relocating Love N Care Preschool by the end of June. Subsequent phases will ensure the congregation’s seamless transition, with services projected to commence in the fall. In the interim, worship continues at 1520 NW 34th Street with Sunday morning services at 10 a.m. and Wednesday night gatherings at 7 p.m.
Rory Causseaux, Lead Agent at Colliers GNV Commercial Advisory Team, commented: “This transaction signifies more than just a property exchange; it represents the culmination of careful planning and a shared vision for growth and community impact.”
The Presbytery of St. Augustine stated: “We are pleased to have worked with Colliers and facilitated this transaction, knowing that the legacy of our property will continue to serve the community under Cross Point Church of God’s stewardship. Rory Causseaux’s experience as a civil engineer for land-use transactions in the greater Gainesville enabled him to strategically navigate our complex transaction with unique insight. Rory’s personal attention throughout the process assured us that every detail was being professionally and completely well managed.”
Pastor Jason Garner of Cross Point Church of God remarked: “The strategic move into the established church building at 1001 NE 16th Ave not only awakens a landmark on the northeast side of Gainesville, but it also offers opportunities for our congregation to give back to a community where many of our congregants reside. We are looking forward to being part of a greater plan for generations to come.”
IHighlands Presbyterian Church will always hold a special place in the hearts of many of us who resided in Carol Estates and Highland Court Manor. Rev William (Bill) Shea, our beloved pastor for more than thirty years, was not only a part of our community but also a resident of the Carol Estates subdivision. His impact on our lives and the community as a whole was immeasurable. Whether it was celebrating the joyous occasions of births and weddings or providing solace during times of loss at funerals, he consistently served as an extraordinary spiritual leader and an exceptional human being.
I am confident that Rev. Shea would desire nothing more than for this remarkable church to continue serving the community in the same remarkable ways he did throughout those decades. Although my family departed Gainesville almost twenty years ago, the memory of Highlands Church and the legacy of this Irish pastor will forever remain etched in our hearts.
As we bid you farewell, we extend our warmest wishes to you. And who knows, if you listen closely, you may just sense the lingering presence of this remarkable man.
Well said! Comforting to know Highlands is passing on to a new caring family.
A much happier ending than the one for St Michael’s Episcopal on 43rd St and 16 Ave. Once a tree-rich lot with a beautiful church and vibrant daycare, it is now clearcut with ugly buildings going up.
#atearinmyeye