From Mirror staff reports

Reliance Bank has donated one of its properties to Center City Church. The donation of the building at 1119 12th St. provides Center City Church with space to expand its ministries, according to a news release.

The property has served as the bank’s corporate headquarters since 1953. Recently, the bank moved its corporate offices to The Mill at 2424 Eighth Ave.

“At Reliance Bank, we believe that helping individuals or organizations pursue their dreams doesn’t stop at financial services,” said Phil Freeman, president and CEO of Reliance Bank.

The bank’s outreach “extends to building relationships and supporting those organizations that make our communities stronger,” he said. “Center City’s vision to ‘Love, Serve, Repeat’ aligns with our values and we’re excited to see how this space will be used to transform lives and families in the area.”

Jim Kilmartin, founder and senior pastor of Center City, said the church has had “a strong working relationship with Reliance Bank for over 25 years, partnering together to make a positive impact on our communities.”

Mark Mielnik Jr., executive pastor at Center City, appreciates the bank’s donation.

“We are honored to receive this incredible gift,” Mielnik said. “The new building will allow the church to expand some of its operations, helping to transform one life, one family, one community at a time.”

The church plans to use the space to expand Arrows Christian Academy, a K-8, faith-based school. The building will also serve as the headquarters for Joshua House, a youth outreach, and HoopsFest, the state’s largest 3-on-3 outdoor basketball tournament. The church also plans to use some of the space as a business incubator.

“The downtown is coming back to life, and we want to continue to be a blessing to the city,” Mielnik said.

Reliance Bank will continue to have a presence downtown with its newest branch located at 1300 11th Ave.