Watch CBS News

Renovations Convert Former Pontiac Nightclub Into A Church

PONTIAC, Mich. (WWJ) - Just in time for Easter Sunday service, a Pontiac church welcomed worshippers to its new home, the site of two former nightclubs.

Pastor Kent Clark, who presides over New Grace Gospel Fellowship Church on E. Huron St., told WWJ Newsradio 950 he's been waiting for this moment for more than a decade.

"Fifteen years ago, leaving the mission one afternoon, I put my hand toward heaven and asked God to give us this building, and 15 years later here we are," Clark said.

Kent Clark, New Grace pastor
Pastor Kent Clark, New Grace Gospel Fellowship church (WWJ Photo)

Before becoming New Grace Gospel Fellowship, the nightclubs Sanctum and Clutch Cargo made their homes in the building. But Clark said he knew this day would eventually come.

"This is a gift from God," Clark said. "We firmly hold to that."

Clark went on to tell WWJ that it took more than three months to get the church ready for Easter Sunday service and he's excited about what's to come.

"This place will stay busy every day of the week, not just on Sunday mornings, but will be a beehive of activity, helping to change a city," he said.

Church Interior-1
New Grace Gospel Fellowship Church interior (WWJ Photo)

And, as you might imagine, the beloved pastor says he's eternally grateful to the family who helped make it happen.

"Bill and Sue Luther and their three daughters actually bought the building and then donated it to Grace Gospel Fellowship; a family that's been volunteering here for over 13 years helping moms and dads and children get their life back," Clark said.

In addition to presiding over the church, Clark is CEO of Grace Centers of Hope.

"You can imagine the change now that's taken place, from the nightclub where they looked out the cafeteria windows and saw the partying that was going on here, to now our own church."

Asked if he had anything else he wanted to say, Clark responded: "Happy Easter." A happy Easter, indeed, for the members of New Grace Gospel Fellowship.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.