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More Letters

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I have just learned a history lesson filled with disappointment, shame and regret. In 1981, the Deltona Corp. donated property to the Church of God with the understanding that it would be used for church or cemetery purposes.

Unfortunately through loopholes in treaties it was allowed to be sold.

The decision of the Church of God has made in selling this property is destructive, devastating and selfish. The lot that I speak of is a beautifully wooded lot on the corner of Elkam Circle and Bald Eagle Drive next to the cemetery.

The Church of God has made a destructive decision to allow protected native species to be destroyed on the last remaining Pine Flatwoods found here on Marco. Jane Hitler initiated a movement to beautify this historical cemetery and wooden area in 1971. And her efforts paid off, through many volunteer hours, as well as support from the Conservation of Collier County., Briggs Nature Center and the then County Commissioner Honorable John A. Pistor, this lot was dedicated as a park, nature trail and bird sanctuary in 1984. This piece of heaven, that so many value, has planned to be taken away and replaced by a three-story commercial building.

The devastating decision the Church of God has made has left our loved ones that are buried there to no longer rest in peace but in turmoil. Construction crews are already planned to start digging and disturbing their peaceful resting place. Visitors at the cemetery will also no longer be surrounded by peaceful, serene surroundings. The gentle rustling of leaves and the happiness of bird songs will be replaced by loud machinery pounding into the ground beneath.

The selling of the lot was purely selfish on the part of the Church of God. This lot was donated to the church to be used for church or cemetery purposes. The church, rather than providing community services such as the deed restrictions stated, sold this lot for $2,900,000. The money was used to purchase a house with pool and boat to match for the pastor’s desires.

I understood the churches role to be that of helping the community, but this church sends a very different message.

Was the church’s decision legal? Yes. Was it ethical? No!

The Church of God has chosen to please a single person that runs the church but not God’s creatures or His people.

Julie Ross, Marco Island