A Rebirth Preserves Our Future
The congregation approved the sale of all the church’s buildings and real estate to Deer Hill Regency, LLC, on December 22, 2024. The contract was signed the next day by our moderator, Heidi Palmer, and Robert Botelho, who owns Deer Hill Regency. Pastor Pat Kriss witnessed the signing.
The Preservation Partnership saved our congregation and our historic building. The Partnership’s four main points:
- This is a rebirth of our congregation that preserves our future, and we will continue to worship in the sanctuary and serve Danbury from our offices.
- The church building is saved, and Mr. Botelho made improvements that maintain its beauty and utility.
- New senior housing will replace the former parsonage next door.
- Deer Hill Regency, LLC, owns all the buildings at 162 and 164 Deer Hill Avenue. The company is owned by Mr. Botelho.
The idea for preservation partnership was been an ongoing project since 2018. We are grateful to:
- Gary Falkenthal and former pastor Robert Naylor, who helped shape the idea and laid the groundwork for support from the City of Danbury.
- Rev. Dr. Pat Kriss, who developed, worked with and shepherded relationships with key people in city hall, including each of the four mayors, over six years.
- Robert Botelho, president of Deer Hill Regency and a prominent developer who has worked to preserve key properties in Danbury.
- Members of the church council and the preservation committee whose guidance, hard work and undying faith kept the project on track for six years through four mayors and one pandemic.