Sunset Hills Church Responds to Resident Concerns About Rectory Proposal

Dear Sunset Hills residents,  

We, at the Gateway House of Prayer, would like to address some concerns that are circulating regarding our recent purchase of the Mehlville firehouse on the corner of Lindbergh and Sappington.  We have petitioned the city of Sunset Hills to allow us to use this property as a rectory to house our ministerial staff and those training to be ministers or missionaries.  

Established in 2003, we are primarily a prayer ministry that serves the city of St. Louis.  Christians from various congregations, denominations and generations gather throughout the week to pray together for our city and nation.  We pray for the families of St. Louis, the youth, the churches and pastors, those serving in education, government, business, arts/media, the military etc.  We believe according to the Scriptures, that prayer releases God’s blessings on the earth.  We also believe that it is important to go beyond our four walls and put feet to our prayers by going out into our community and serving people in our communities.  

As long time residents of the area, we want to assure our neighbors that our rectory will only house those individuals who are directly a part of our ministerial team and training program.  Just to be clear, the firehouse will not be used for outreach purposes, classes or worship services.  In addition, we will not exceed the maximum occupancy enforced by city or fire ordinances.  

It is our desire to be a blessing to our city and Sunset Hills.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at ghopoffice@swbell.net   

Very sincerely,
Jeff and Tammy Riddering

Related articles:

• Neighbors Want More Information on Who Would Stay at Proposed Rectory
• Letter to the Editor: Postpone Action on Church's Request to Convert Firehouse Into Rectory
• Sunset Hills Church to Convert Old Mehlville Firehouse Into Rectory
• Mehlville Fire Sells Old Firehouse to Church