Pinehurst United Methodist Church in the Sanford District consecrated its new sanctuary in 2002. The Rev. Steve McElroy, Pinehurst UMC pastor, described it as “almost a miracle” that the church was able to acquire the 11 acres it needed to build.
The land owned by former Aberdeen Mayor Mr. J.C. Robbins was originally purchased in 1962. Between then and the time the church wanted to acquire the property it had appreciated significantly in value. If Mr. Robbins had sold the property outright to the church “the capital gains (tax) would have eaten him up,” Rev. McElroy explained.
Through careful gift planning assistance from Rev. Douglas Byrd (UMF Executive Director from 1984 through 1999), Mr. Robbins was able to give 25% of the property to the church as an outright gift and the other 75% of the property in a Charitable Remainder Trust agreement with the United Methodist Foundation.
Pinehurst UMC then purchased the remaining 75% of the property from the Charitable Remainder Trust held by United Methodist Foundation for the benefit of Mr. and Mrs. Robbins. The proceeds of the property sale were invested by United Methodist Foundation to provide the Robbins' with lifetime income.
This gave Mr. and Mrs. Robbins the security of lifetime income, and Pinehurst UMC has a beautiful new facility on a prominent piece of property reaching out to a great community and a fast growing number of worshipers - all because of generous hearts and good planning.
There are a number of life-income giving techniques that allow donors to earn while giving to the Church. For more information on Life-Income Giving, please contact United Methodist Foundation, Inc. at 800-555-4718.
-American Indian Proverb, Sauk