Methodist church closes; minister buys building

BRANDYWINE, Md. — A former United Methodist minister whose megachurch broke ties with the denomination plans to purchase the building he left behind at the time of the split.

C. Anthony Muse, who left about $6 million in debts incurred in the construction of a sanctuary at the disputed site in Brandywine, Md., has offered $3.2 million to creditors to house his Ark of Safety Chris­tian Church there, The Washington Post reported. Leaders of the Gibbons-Resurrection United Methodist Church decided to disband as of June 30, saying it would be poor stewardship to pay bondholders more than the property’s value. The Colonial Trust Co. turned down their offer of $2.75 million to settle the debt.

Creditors have given Muse’s congregation preliminary approval for its higher offer.

The newspaper also reported that Muse and Methodist officials settled a suit that grew out of the split May 30, with both parties agreeing that there was “no finding of wrongdoing and no admission of wrongdoing by Ark of Safety, Rev. Muse or anyone else.”

Muse said his congregation will invite members of Gibbons-Resurrection to continue to hold services at the church.