Mentor Christian Church Saved From Sale by Local Businessman

The Mentor Christian Church faced a difficult situation earlier this year. Its membership had dropped to about 40 people, and the congregation could no longer afford to maintain its attractive but aging building, which was constructed in 1914. The church needed to sell the property to cover the upkeep.

The congregation, affiliated with the Disciples of Christ, was founded in 1828. According to the report, James A. Garfield, who would later become president, once preached to the congregation.

Ali Mandovi, who is not a member of the church, stepped in to purchase the property and is paying for major improvements to the building. Rev. Cheryl Delaney described his intervention as “priceless,” saying, “We feel so blessed that he came forward. It could have gone very differently without him.”

Mandovi owns seven McDonald’s franchises, three of which are in Mentor, and his headquarters are next door to the church. In an interview with The News-Herald, he said, “I’m not a member of the church, but they’ve been good neighbors, and I’ve helped with donations over the years.” Mandovi rents the building back to the congregation and uses part of it as a training and education center for his employees. Generosity toward a struggling neighbor reflects the practical side of charity (Hebrews 13:16).

Since buying the building, Mandovi has funded considerable repairs. Scaffolding has become a common sight as workers replace the worn wooden moulding outside, scrape and repaint the exterior, and replace dilapidated storm windows with units the report describes as just as effective but less distracting. He is also paying for a new front door, the refurbishing of several interior rooms, and fresh landscaping planned for next year.

Delaney said she hopes the visible work will show people that the church is still active in the community. “We’re hoping the building being beautified reminds people that there is still a church here,” she said.

Delaney also said some members were concerned when Mandovi first bought the building. “He gets it,” she said. “He has proven by all of his actions that his heart is in the right place.”

Source: Read the original report