Originally published August 23, 2021
Updated February 22, 2022

Exciting news!   Our parish property now includes 4.4 contiguous acres along Sharon Lane, stretching from the upper part of the church campus to the boundary of the new townhomes development.  

St. Gabriel Church already owned two of the four residential properties that comprise this acreage, purchased under previous pastors:  1835 (next to the church) and 1919 (the house next to the townhouse development).  

The owners of 1901 and 1911 Sharon Lane approached us privately in late March 2021 with an offer to sell their properties to St. Gabriel Church  - something the parish had hoped for and approached the owners about under our previous pastor, Fr. Frank O'Rourke.

With prayer and unanimous support from our parish Finance Council, parish leadership, and the Diocese of Charlotte, we proceeded with the purchase, which was finalized in August 2021.   The scarcity of nearby land, low interest rates, and the likelihood of high-density development next to the church were important factors in our decision.  A special thanks to the parishioners who shared their financial, legal, and real estate expertise in evaluating and executing this purchase.  

We thank God for the blessing of our expanded property and place all that we have and all that we do in service to him and his people.

How will this property be used?  We currently have no plans to develop these residential properties but are grateful for the flexibility they offer and will prayerfully discern their future use.   

In January 2022, the rectory moved to 1901 Sharon Lane.   The properties at 1911 and 1919 are serving as rental homes.  The property at 1835 Sharon Lane will also be rented, after some critical updates are made.  

The back section of these deep properties now serves as a long section of greenspace, partitioned off by numerous evergreens planted to provide privacy along the front and backyards of these homes.  We are grateful to a parishioner, who wishes to remain unnamed, for providing the majority of the landscape-related work at cost.

What is our investment?  Our overall 10-year loan for the purchase of the two properties, including $200,000 to assist with needed property and grounds updates and maintenance, is $2.8 million.   During the first year of the loan, payments were interest-only.  Monthly principal and interest payments of $30,646 began in September 2022.

Rental income is contributing towards the repayment of this loan. 

We are grateful for gifts of any amount, supporting this strategic purchase and the future of our parish.  
 

Greenspace development (completed in early 2022)

On our church campus, a lighted gravel pathway (1/3 mile) now leads the way past the 14 outdoor Stations of the Cross and the 20 mysteries of the Rosary. 

The pathway and a greenspace, are located behind the preschool playground and Marian Grotto – at the far end of the school parking lot.   All are invited to walk the pathway, to pray, and to enjoy the greenspace.

The Stations of the Cross and Rosary Walk were provided through generous gifts from several parish families in early 2022 and dedicated on March 26, 2022 in loving memory of Ale Skinkle – parishioner, loving daughter, wife, mother and friend, St. Gabriel School teacher, and Belmont Abbey alumna.  Her deep and joyful faith – demonstrated so powerfully through her long battle with cancer – brought many in our parish and school closer to Jesus and our Blessed Mother. Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey carried out the dedication.