MONTGOMERY, Minn. (AP) — A cancer patient who restored a dilapidated church in rural south-central Minnesota said he no longer feels welcome.
Greg Thomas began restoring the church eight years ago after being diagnosed with cancer, KARE-TV (http://kare11.tv/2gK26Ai) reported.
But officials with Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, which owns the building and surrounding cemetery, told Thomas to suspend all activities during the summer. He is no longer allowed to enter the church he restored without an escort.
"It's a bitter pill," the Army veteran said. "It's really truly sad."
Trustee Gene Mach said that while church officials were grateful for Thomas' restoration, they grew increasingly uncomfortable with some of the improvements, including a gas fireplace and an electrical service paid with money that Thomas collected through donations. Church officials were also concerned they'd have to get insurance for the building.
"If we completely fix this up, then we're going to end up having to insure it," Mach said. "If someone were to get hurt of injured then it falls back onto us."
Thomas said he feels the historic church should be open inside and out for people to worship and enjoy.
"It was a thing that brought the community together. Everyone enjoyed it. It was glory to God, which was my main focus, and now it just sits there," he said.
However, Mach believes the church should serve as a "showpiece."
Thomas has offered to buy the church but the church's officials have declined to discuss that due to the cemetery.
"It is sacred ground and there are people buried there and it's not really an event center," Mach said.