Former Vigilant Hose Fire Station receives a new lease on life

Aug 16, 2023

Anyone driving through downtown Shippensburg recently has no doubt noticed the construction taking place at the former Vigilant Hose Fire Station/Shippensburg Police Station. Shippensburg First Church of God purchased the building from the Vigilant Hose Company in 2012 and began renovations to the second floor in 2016.

According to Pastor Rodney Bistline, renovating the second floor was the first phase of the renovation process, and to date all of the work has been completed and the space is being used by the youth of the church for programming and activities. The second phase which is currently underway includes the renovation of the former fire truck bays and the downstairs portion of the building. “There are a lot of structural things that need to be done in this phase of the renovations including the work that is currently underway, including pouring footers and other concrete work in order to turn the space into what we have planned,” Bistline explained. He said Lehman Construction Services is doing a great job and church members are excited about the future of the building and how it will enhance their programming, and be used to bring new people into the church, and also be a place that can be utilized by the community for different events and activities.

Plans for the first floor include recreation space for the youth, as well as added classroom space to the rear of the building. The right hand side of the building on the Prince Street side when finished will be used as a multi-purpose space that will allow for church fellowship dinners and things of that nature, according to Bistline. “Right now all of our dinners and things like that are held in the church basement. The new space will be more easily accessible, especially for our older members, and we are also hoping to be able to offer the space to the community for banquets or dinners or things of that nature. We are looking forward to opening up the space and making it available to the community.” He said with the church being located in the heart of downtown, what a wonderful opportunity it is for both entities to work together.

Work is expected to be completed on the second phase in late December. Church trustees had hoped construction would be completed prior to December but due to a delay in receiving the proper permits to move forward, the completion date was extended.

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