By Andrew Hackmack
Started with just a handful of worshipers, it has grown to about 125 congregants from Valley Stream, Elmont, Franklin Square, Lynbrook and several other neighboring communities.
Now, church leaders hope they can grow even more with the opening of their own building in North Valley Stream. Gateway purchased the former Alden Terrace Jewish Center on North Central Avenue and held a dedication service last Saturday morning. For years, services were held at in the old Friendly's restaurant on Elmont Road.
Pastor Sunny Philip said the church had been trying to buy its own building for the past three years. Previous attempts to buy facilities in Valley Stream and Franklin Square had failed, but the latest deal worked out and the church officially took ownership of the building in May.
"We are pleasantly delighted to have a large space like this," Philip said, "and we plan to put it to good use." The 8,400 square-foot building includes a sanctuary, ballroom, kitchen, classrooms and office space. Philip noted that there is also ample parking.
With the new facility, Philip said church leaders will be evaluating the needs of the community to see what kinds of outreach services will be offered. Some ideas, he said, are tutoring and adult computer literacy programs. "We want to be a blessing to the community," he said.
Philip lives in Merrick but is a former resident of Valley Stream. He noted that the area is changing with many families moving in from New York City. These are good, church-going people, he said, and are looking for a place to worship in their backyard. That's the Gateway World Christian Center's niche, Philip explained.
"The idea was to start a church that reflected the diversity of the community," he said.
Saturday's dedication ceremony featured scripture readings, group songs, dance and several speakers. The sanctuary was nearly filled to capacity with worshipers who wanted to celebrate the special occasion.
Among those on hand were Assemblyman Tom Alfano. "This dedication is a true celebration for Gateway and all its parishioners," he said. "The room was filled with friends throughout the community and I couldn't be more proud that we are dedicating a center that has strong roots in our neighborhoods."
Anil Mathews, a member of the Gateway's board, said he initially joined the church because it has a young congregation, an English median and an Indian heritage. "It was the perfect fit for me," he said. "It gave me everything I needed for worship and fellowship."
Mathews praised Philip as one of the best speakers he has ever heard, and has great depth to every sermon. He described the opening of the new facility as "a miracle."
"It's not easy to buy a building," he said. "It's not even easy to get a mortgage nowadays."
Mary Thomas, the children's ministry director, said now the church can offer more programs for kids such as a Sunday school and a summer vacation bible school. Thomas said there are about 20 kids who belong to the congregation plus several babies and infants.
Raised in Elmont, Thomas said this new building will be a blessing for those children. "It will definitely benefit them because this is their church," she said. "They're the next generation."
Gateway World Christian Center is located at 502 N. Central Ave. in North Valley Stream. For more information visit www.gatewaynyc.com.
