Bradford Area Christian Academy has spent more than two decades blooming where it was planted.

Now, it owns the ground beneath its roots.

The academy finalized the purchase of First United Methodist Church at 25 Chambers St. on July 1, making the building it had rented since 2001 its first permanent home.

“BACA has existed for 43 years and has always been a tenant somewhere,” said Michele Panek, administrator. “But now, the Lord has blessed us with our very own home.”

The purchase comes after more than a year of discussions between the academy and church officials. BACA first made an offer for the property in spring 2025.

Panek said the decision required additional steps because United Methodist church properties are owned by their respective conferences. In this case, the property fell under the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church.

“They had a great deal to consider and do on their end, and that takes time,” Panek said. “So most of the year since, BACA has simply been waiting patiently and praying for the Lord’s direction throughout all of this.”

Panek said the academy learned in late winter or early spring that the purchase would move forward.

“It was a moment of shock that this was really happening, combined with pure joy and gratitude,” she said. “I just immediately thanked God for this incredible blessing and opportunity.”

The purchase gives the growing academy room to expand. The property includes approximately a half-acre of land and more than 31,000 square feet of building space.

BACA now has the ability to serve more than 140 students, doubling its previous capacity as a tenant. Panek said additional students would also create a need for additional staff.

“We have already begun to expand our clubs and activity opportunities for students, including our after-school Art Club, Yearbook Club, Bible Quizzing and our student worship band, Raised Wings Worship,” she said.

BACA also plans to make portions of the building available for community use. The sanctuary, which seats approximately 550 people, will be available for weddings, while the Fellowship Hall could be used for receptions, dinners, birthday parties and other events.

“We have more ideas even beyond those — we shall see where the Lord leads us,” Panek said.

BACA will celebrate the milestone with a ribbon-cutting and building dedication ceremony at 6 p.m. Aug. 20 at the school. The event will recognize both the history of the academy and its future in the building.

The First United Methodist Church congregation closed earlier this year, having served the Bradford community for nearly a century. According to the Bradford Landmark Society, the native limestone building was completed in 1926 and later expanded between 1956 and 1960.

Panek said preserving the building’s historic character, including its architectural features and stained glass, remains a priority.

“I look at it with the understanding that for 100 years, the building has been a place of worship, hope and light,” she said. “It is our responsibility to follow the Lord’s direction to continue that tradition.”

With ownership also comes responsibility for maintaining the nearly century-old structure.

Panek said BACA’s new Facilities Committee has been planning for future needs. Current projects include replacing the building’s boilers, which have surpassed their expected lifespans, and installing new flooring in several areas.

She credited First United Methodist Church with completing several major improvements before the sale, including roof work, carpeting updates and replacing a water heater.

“These endeavors put many things in better order before our purchase, which was a great blessing,” she said.

Panek said families, students and staff have responded to the news with excitement. She has also heard from former First United Methodist Church members who are happy to see the building continue to serve the community.

“A number of former members have reached out, and though they were sad that First United was no more, they were happy that the building would bless the school and still be used for the Lord’s work,” she said.

Some former members even requested items they had donated to the church remain in the building for the school.

“The gratitude we feel for such an outpouring of love cannot be understated,” Panek said.

Looking ahead, Panek said she hopes people see the purchase as an opportunity to continue bringing hope to the community.

“I would love everyone to know how grateful we are, and I would love for them all to know that with God, all things are possible,” she said.