CAZENOVIA — Summit Church recently announced that it has merged with the Oran Community Church on Cazenovia Road in Manlius and will be vacating its Cazenovia location.
The church has shared a space with the Cazenovia United Methodist Church at 21 Lincklaen St. for over a decade.
“With a mixture of sadness and happiness, we announce that Summit Church is relocating to Oran,” said Summit Church Lead Pastor Daniel Schallmo. “[There is] sadness because we have enjoyed the friendship and hospitality of Cazenovia United Methodist Church for the past 11 years, [but we are also] happy to say hello to the historical Oran and Pompey community in Manlius.”
Oran Community Church was originally organized as the Pleasant Valley Society in 1805. The current sanctuary was erected in 1851, with an addition built in the 1960s.
According to a press release announcing the merger, the church sits on 12.5 acres and has 42 adjacent acres that will be used for large events.
The historic building is currently undergoing extensive renovations. The modifications include a new front entrance, a new heating and cooling system for the worship center, new air conditioning units for the Summit Fellowship Hall, a fresh air exchange system for the lower-level classrooms and recreation space, new high-efficiency lighting, and new carpeting and fresh paint throughout the building. There are also plans to expand the parking, provide ADA-compliant access, host special events using the building’s full kitchen, and improve the nature walk and hiking trail for easy access to Limestone Creek.
Summit Church was established in 2005 under the leadership of Schallmo and his wife, Cindy.
“Our vision is to reach families, to adapt and serve people’s needs, and to provide uplifting God-centered worship,” the Summit Church press release states. “Summit will continue to provide a strong commitment to bring Jesus Christ into every home in their community while sharing the Bible as the infallible word of God.”
Summit Church provides age-graded and youth ministries, Bible studies, life groups where people “do life together,” discipleship classes and programs, and multiple outreach activities.
The church is currently taking suggestions on ways to utilize its new building at 8560 Cazenovia Rd., Manlius. A survey is available on the Summit Church website.
A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
To learn more about Summit Church and its service times/locations, visit summitchurchny.churchcenter.com.
