Mercer County Agency on Aging has awarded Farrell's New and Living Way Apostolic Church a contract for the Farrell property that used to house the Shenango Valley Senior Center.

The church's bid was the only one submitted for the building at 1020 Spearman Ave. An offer of $10,000 was submitted by Bishop Stephen L. Bennefield Sr., president and financial officer.

The congregation, around since 1980, plans to house its ministry and church offices in the building. There are about 100 church members, including children.

In a presentation to the agency Thursday, Bishop Bennefield outlined long- and short-term plans for the structure. He was joined by Bishop Alvin J. McCoy, church director.

"It's a building with a lot of potential," Bishop Bennefield said. "Our church has a vision to expand something that is going to benefit our community."

Plans include developing the Full Gospel Bible Institute and its offices, church offices, a day-care program, and space and assistance for new small businesses. These future establishments would include a multicultural beauty salon and barber shop; a Christian bookstore, supply and distribution; and computer training, sales and repair, which Bishop Bennefield, who's certified in Microsoft, would spearhead.

Long-term plans include a rehabilitation program for troubled young men and women, which would consist of career counseling and job preparation. Bishop McCoy, who has experience working with troubled youth, used to work with them in downtown Sharon. Over the years, he has accepted many, including ex-cons, into his home.

Depending on what the church is able to afford first, some short-term plans may become long-term, and vice versa, Bishop Bennefield said, adding that everything will take much planning.

He said he hasn't had a chance to tour the third floor of the building, so it's hard to say what might happen. Plans to reorganize and recruit for the Full Gospel Bible Institute, which currently meets on Lee Avenue, were placed on hold until a contract was awarded, Bishop Bennefield said.

"I thought when we made the bid it was so small we wouldn't even be considered in the first place. We were waiting to hear from you before having made any moves," he told the agency.

Anne Marie Spiardi, chief executive officer, asked the parishioners if they would allow a time frame of 60 days for the agency to remove several storage boxes still being stashed in the building. Bishop Bennefield said that was "no problem."

As for the expense of maintaining the building, Bishop Bennefield said they plan to bring in revenue with small businesses locating there. The church will also hold fund-raisers and seek pledges, grants and loans for the building, he said.

"We don't have a lot of funds that we're sitting on," he said. "We do have very good rapport with First National Bank and have no problems with securing the monies." He added that it will probably cost a large sum to bring the building up to "usable status."

After members asked questions, Ray Frankenburg motioned to accept the bid. However, Paul Flint wanted it tabled for discussion. Board members later went into a brief executive session and returned to accept the bid,

The senior center used to be located on Spearman for years. Farrell Area School District sold it to the Agency on Aging for $1. Asbestos and other problems with the center, the former J.A. Farrell School, eventually forced the agency to move, after spending money on an asbestos-removal project. The agency had also planned to renovate the building, add a geriatric health center for Primary Health Network, and talked about constructing a building next to the former school.

The agency later asked Farrell council to donate land in the former park. In January 1999, the center moved to temporary headquarters at Wheatland-Farrell United Methodist Church and then to its current site in Hermitage.