Two years after the Geist Clubhouse was closed and put in mothballs, a new tenant is moving in. Geist Chapel, currently meeting at 9030 East 96th Street (just east of Lantern Road), signed a lease-to-own agreement with the Marina Limited Partnership on November 1.
Geist Chapel, formed just fifteen months ago, is a primarily professional congregation of about 85 people spanning ages from twenty-somethings to retirees. Their worship style blends classic traditional with gentle contemporary, while the church ministry focuses on Bible teaching, fellowship and outreach.
“We have a top-notch children’s director, a musical group made up primarily of professional musicians, and a good cross section of members that will appeal to a distinct spectrum of people,” said Sr. Pastor Max Anders.
As for the former Geist Clubhouse facilities, a significant renovation is being undertaken, including reconfiguring the downstairs of the two-story structure to accommodate Sunday school classes and enclosing the upstairs deck on the south side to create a garden room. Renting out the facility for wedding receptions and parties, etc., will be part of the church’s outreach into the community. Plans may also include a daycare offering as circumstances permit. These activities are overseen by Executive Pastor Luis A. Llerena, Jr.
Outside, Geist Chapel will be enhancing the walking path around the 12-acre property, providing seating and doggy waste stations, and potentially opening up the tennis courts to the public. As for the three large pools, church officials do not foresee them reopening to the public. Start-up repairs, insurance rates and ongoing liability were cited as the main reasons for not restoring the pools.
“For the sake of the community, we gave it serious consideration, but finally just came to the conclusion that we couldn’t operate this as a recreational facility.”
Christmas Eve services will be held at the clubhouse, with weekly services commencing on Sunday, February 6, 2011. For more information, visit the Geist Chapel website at www.GeistChapel.org.
