Gardenia Center to be sold

SANDPOINT — The Gardenia Center, Sandpoint's only metaphysical church, will soon be closing its doors as the board has learned the facility is being listed for sale.

The building is expected to be listed sometime this month, Mark Reiner, president of the center’s board of directors, said. 

Until her passing, the building at the corner of Church and Fourth was leased to the Gardenia Center by Marilyn Chambers, who owned the building and had founded the organization. Recently, the church’s board of directors was notified that Marilyn’s heirs are planning on selling the building.

Since Chambers' passing, the board has kept the center functioning as a community building and a gathering place for Sunday services.

The building has been used for Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other similar groups as well as weddings, memorials, birthday parties, and numerous community gatherings.

“Recently, the … board of directors has been notified that Marilyn's heirs are planning on selling the Gardenia Center,” Reiner said. “The board had been involved in a series of projects to stabilize the building and modernize the facilities with the hope that more people could be served; however, in light of the recent notification of sale they have suspended all projects.”

The center will also be looking for new homes for appliances, materials, and furniture. The Wednesday soup kitchen, a service for many decades, will be closing and all of the kitchen materials and equipment will be offered to other community service groups. The same is true for many pews, folding chairs, tables and other materials, Reiner said.

“Unfortunately, a number of rumors have developed including one saying the land will become a parking lot or condo,” he said. “The truth is no one knows who will purchase it, nor what they may have in mind for the property. Thus, the board asks the many folks who have been served by the center to find new accommodations and refrain from negative speculation.”

While some on Facebook are asking about what those plans may include, they are being told that questions will be answered at the board’s March 24 meeting, Reiner said. 

“Although metaphysical classes and meditation groups have been a part of the GC, those too will have to find new venues, for the Sunday service will also cease,” he said. “A heartfelt farewell service, open to the community, will be scheduled before the final closing. We began as a service group and we will end by being of final service to the community. First, by giving away the assets and second, by continuing to live our lives as catalysts.”

The board is inviting churches or community programs to contact 208-217-4842 to voice needs that may be met through items the center is giving away.