Pastor learned of condo development to the south only after approvals had been given
Dr. David Seip, Senior Pastor of the Chestnut Hill Baptist Church for nearly thirty years, was blindsided by the development of a four story condo just feet away from the church. “I don’t think [the developer] is at all concerned about whether the building has taken all of the natural sunlight we’ve experienced for 200 years, away.” READ ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE CHESTNUT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH HERE
From in the sanctuary of 200 year-old church, you will be able to see new condo tenants having breakfast. Senior Pastor invites them in!
“It’s turned out to be a pleasant-looking building and it’s well constructed. I can’t object to that..But it’s right on top of us .. we literally can look out our window and see people having breakfast Sunday morning” says Chestnut Hill Baptist Church Pastor David Seip. But he hopes to invite into the church the new condo tenants just as he has invited the residents of a much smaller condominium development to the rear of the church.
Condos are so close you can reach out church 💒windows, and shake hands 🤝 with residents
“I am reminded as I walk in this morning of the the buildings that are going up on either side of us here, and we have our own mission field on this street corner. We were here first, and we’ve been here for almost 200 years, Lord, so I pray that you will just work in our hearts and open our eyes to see how we can minister to those who will be moving in around us, and we just thank You, Lord for the privilege of giving and praying for all of this missionary family around the world when we lift them up to you this morning in Jesus name Amen.” Leslie Seip, Missions Director and wife of Chestnut Hill Baptist Church, Pastor David Seip.
Senior Pastor Dr David Seip of the Chestnut Hill Baptist Church has been dismayed as multi-story condo developments rise up close on either side of the historic 200 year-old church. But now, in discussions with the Frankel brothers, developers to the north and Michael Young, developer to the south, he anticipates that they will commit to substantially contributing to the restoration of the stucco walls and and the bell tower which are in need of repair- at least to make the view of the church more palatable to would-be buyers. He is also working with the Chestnut Hill Conservancy to perhaps pursue grants toward preservation efforts. READ ABOUT THE CONSERVANCY’S EFFORTS HERE
