“If it was not for organizations like Bridgeway Capital, we would’ve been in a lot of trouble,” said Senior Pastor Lamont Higginbottom. “But they came just in time, and we’re grateful.”
Working with Bridgeway Capital, Second Baptist consolidated its debt and completed a much-needed $70,000 renovation to its sanctuary. And yes, that’s an expense for which they are now debt-free, too.
Thanks to this debt relief, Second Baptist is now able to focus on giving back to its community members in their time of need. That includes programs like the church’s food pantry, a long-standing offering in the community, as well as their mission ministry, which serves Erie’s homeless and underserved populations. Second Baptist is also expanding into new areas of service, like its workforce development program, operated through a partnership with CVS to provide pharmacy technician training.
“What’s really nice about it is it will give individuals in our inner city community, especially here on the Lower East Side, opportunities to secure employment that is family-sustaining,” Higginbottom said. “Because of organizations like Bridgeway who will come alongside us, we’re able to continue to do the great work.”
Now, Higginbottom has high hopes — both for the future of Erie and for the church itself. “I think Erie is a great place, a place of promise. I believe this church has not seen her best days, and we’ll continue to serve in a greater capacity,” he said. “It’s higher heights and deeper depths for us.”