Columbia Closings   What's not in Columbia anymore

According to WLTX Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary merged with Hickory North Carolina's Lenoir-Rhyne University back in 2012, in a move which locals expected to strengthen the Columbia campus, but which in the end has resulted in it merging with the new parent and moving to Hickory itself. One local pastor quoted by WLTX expects the move to exacerbate an ongoing local pastor shortage especially as graduates will now tend to end up in the North Carolina synod.

According to The State, the move was to be made by 1 January of 2025. When I drove through on 9 February there didn't seem to be anybody around though clearly the buildings had not been emptied and there was still a quirky vehicle on the grounds.

Also according to The State as of mid-December the property had not yet been listed, though Lenoir-Rhyne does expect to sell it.

(Hat tip to commenter george011210)

It appears that missionary organization Operation Go International has moved to Saginaw and has put their Bush River Road building up for sale.

Looking at their area of operations, I think coming back home to Michigan is going to be a bigger shock than coming back home to Columbia!

(Hat tip to commenter Gypsie)

I had held off posting anything about this church move on Sunset Boulevard because I was never sure if they had already moved, or were continuing to hold services in this building until they were able to sell it. Last month a sign for a new church moving in went up, so I think it is safe to say they have completed their move. Google suggests they now meet at 218 Blackjack Oak Lane.

At any rate, it is a nice large property, one that could hold a couple more buildings, and one where kids could play some nice games of Capture The Flag. I am glad to see that, so far as I can tel, it is not to be broken up for retail.

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