The Holland Sentinel - Holland, Michigan. . . Jan 19, 2006 Page A3
Commissioners to look at public use of county buildings
By Olivia Cobiskey
Staff writer
A theoretical conversation took place on the separation of church and state has taken a more practical turn as Allegan County Commissioners add the item to their agenda for discussion today.
Commissioners found themselves unsure of how to proceed at the board's first meeting of the year when, during the open discussion period, several commissioners broached the idea of a community group using a county building.
The First Church of God, 1313 Marshall St., has asked permission to use the Karl Zimmerman Training Room at the Human Services Building for a guest speaker's presentation that's likely to attract more people than the church can hold.
However, several commissioners were leery, worried that if they approved the request they would set a precedent that would make it hard for the board to deny future requests.
Commissioner Steve McNeil of Fillmore Township told fellow board members he has been researching the issue.
"The policies from Ottawa and Kent counties allowed public uses of their building," McNeal said.
The Rev. Don Hendrick of First Church of God, who gave the invocation for Thursday's meeting, said his church had looked elsewhere but every place was booked.
"We're looking to be inspired to make a difference," said Hendrick, whose church already sponsors a soup kitchen.
The board will discuss the issue today and decide if a policy for public use of the county's buildings is necessary.
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Commissioners found themselves unsure of how to proceed at the board's first meeting of the year when, during the open discussion period, several commissioners broached the idea of a community group using a county building.
The First Church of God, 1313 Marshall St., has asked permission to use the Karl Zimmerman Training Room at the Human Services Building for a guest speaker's presentation that's likely to attract more people than the church can hold.
However, several commissioners were leery, worried that if they approved the request they would set a precedent that would make it hard for the board to deny future requests.
Commissioner Steve McNeil of Fillmore Township told fellow board members he has been researching the issue.
"The policies from Ottawa and Kent counties allowed public uses of their building," McNeal said.
The Rev. Don Hendrick of First Church of God, who gave the invocation for Thursday's meeting, said his church had looked elsewhere but every place was booked.
"We're looking to be inspired to make a difference," said Hendrick, whose church already sponsors a soup kitchen.
The board will discuss the issue today and decide if a policy for public use of the county's buildings is necessary.
For more information, please call the Ministry Center at (269) 673-4302.
Click here to report an error on this page.