Atlantic City pastor wants to move his church from violent neighborhood

Death and violence in the immediate area has prompted an Atlantic City pastor to seek out a new home for his church.

Pastor Kenneth Applewhite helps run the City of Hope Worship and Outreach Center in Atlantic City. (Photo courtesy of Press of Atlantic City)

Pastor Kenneth Applewhite, who's been with the City of Hope Worship and Outreach Center for nine years, received a donation of land in nearby Egg Harbor Township, but is in need of more financial help to build on the site.

"There's been about 15 to maybe 20 deaths and shootings on our street," said Applewhite, noting his current church has seen a drop in membership due to its unfortunate location on North South Carolina Avenue.

"In our Bible college, we have working class people who we have to walk to their cars because they have a fear," he added.

So when Applewhite saw a "name your price" ad for land in the newspaper, listed by Cherry Hill resident James Horowitz, he reached out to Horowitz to share his story, and the property was given to him free of charge.

The land is a 10-15 minute ride from the current church. Applewhite said his congregation is "excited" by the change - a change that can't come unless the church raises enough money to build the spot for worship.

"We would like to break ground in March," he said. "This is going to be done through donations."

The church has received a donation of bricks for the foundation, and Applewhite said he's talking to Habitat for Humanity this month for help with laborers.

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