Coptics want to buy Timaru’s Chalmers Church

Tuesday, September 30th, 2014

A small group of Coptic Orthodox Christians say they are in the process of buying Timaru’s Chalmers Church.

This is the second time they have tried to buy this church.

If a sale goes ahead the group will rename it St George’s Coptic Church.

Businessman Dean van Buuren purchased the church, Friendship Centre and neighbouring restaurant building earlier this year, despite the Coptic community placing the highest bid.

At that time, a member of the Coptic community, Sylvia Tawadrous, said she was not judging the Presbyterians for not accepting the Coptic community’s offer.

Peter Wilson, of Reid & Wilson First National real estate, said he could not comment on the negotiation process which saw a Timaru businessman buy the church properties ahead of the Coptic community.

“There are no rules, the vendor can decide [who to sell to],” Wilson said.

Timaru Presbyterian Parish clerk Ken Falconer said there had been “quite a few” interested parties in the properties, but he would not comment further.

“I do not want to discuss it, it’s our business,” Falconer said.

The Coptic community is interested only in the church building and surrounding land.

They met and prayed there on South Canterbury Anniversary Day (22 September).

Previously the 28 members met at Phar Lap Raceway.

Immigrants and refugees from the Middle East and North Africa introduced the Coptic Church to New Zealand.

Timaru’s Coptic community is one of four in New Zealand.

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