Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, March 16, 1995                   TAG: 9503180015
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: W8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: FRANCES STEBBINS
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

THREE SALEM CHURCHES PLAN MOVES TO NEW SITES

Salem First Church of God has begun construction of a building at 955 Bird Lane off Thompson Memorial Drive. Expected to be in use by August, it is the first of two units planned, the Rev. Charles Briscoe said.

The new church, which will cost about $475,000, is being built by Townside Construction of Salem. The structure will seat 300 when its balcony is opened. Eventually, when the second unit is finished, 575 will be accommodated. Briscoe said the second unit will be a family life center.

The Church of God has sold its old building on Mill Lane to a Jehovah's Witness congregation that formerly worshiped at Indiana and Seventh streets in Salem. Until its new building is finished, the Church of God members are meeting at 2025 W. Main St.

The Jehovah's Witness group, in turn, sold its house of worship to a pentecostal congregation, God's Church of Deliverance and Power, of which Elder Martha M. Anderson is pastor.