Church gets to use disputed space in Delanco

A small Burlington County church that sued Delanco Township last week after it was rebuffed in an attempt to use part of a warehouse for worship will occupy the space, at least temporarily.

My Father's House Ministry and the township have reached an agreement to allow services in the industrial-zoned warehouse as the federal lawsuit proceeds, lawyers for the church announced Friday. The young, predominantly African American church, with beliefs similar to Baptists, plans to meet there Sunday.

"We are ecstatic; we're happy that the township has allowed us to utilize the space," the Rev. Donshae L. Joyner said.

The 25-member church has been without a permanent home since forming three years ago - using a hotel, mall, school, and other churches.

In June, Delanco's Joint Land Use Board rejected the church's application for a use variance at the building on the 900 block of Coopertown Road. The building previously hosted a church, though that was apparently done without township approval, town minutes indicate.

Some have raised concerns about parking and safety, citing hunting in the area.

Lawyers for the church argue that the municipality's zoning policies accommodate other "assembly uses" - such as municipal buildings and day-care centers - in many areas of town but leave religious groups with few options.

Delanco Township Attorney Douglas L. Heinold declined to comment Friday.

Joyner added: "It is our hope that there will be a final resolution that will allow us to stay here permanently - with the township's blessing."

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