New Redemption nondenominational church to open in old Hillcrest Alliance Church in Lower Burrell

At a time when churches are closing across the region, Fred Neal, along with help from another church, is opening a new Christian nondenominational church in the former Hillcrest Alliance Church in Lower Burrell.

Redemption Church, whose congregation has been meeting at the Knead cafe in New Kensington recently, has plans to open its doors at 232 Hillcrest Drive on April 4 — Easter Sunday.

“Lower Burrell looks like a good area, and this site presents an opportunity to start fresh,” said Neal, 39, a Kittanning native who was a pastor at Harvest Church in Kittanning before striking out on his own in 2019.

Redemption bought the church late last year for about $250,000, Neal said. Hillcrest Alliance closed in 2012. The church was built in the late 1970s and early ’80s, according to Neal.

News of the fledgling church drew interest from another church, The River Community Church, at 200 Freeport Road in New Kensington, that has donated $5,500 to Redemption.

“When River started out 16 years ago, we had a number of churches that significantly supported our work,” said Pastor Dean Ward of The River.

“That investment helped us realize that we were not alone in the work that we do, and it helped us in those financially challenging first couple of years,” he said.

“We are in the same business of advancing the Kingdom of God, and it’s a privilege to support and bless what they are being called to do.”

Neal was wowed by the donation.

Lower Burrell Councilman Rob Hamilton, who is a member of The River, is pleased a new church is moving into the city and that his church is helping.

“The River is helping Redemption, and this gives people a choice,” he said. “I think we need to see more of that today.”

Neal, who has been involved in Bible ministries since 2003, believes the community needs and will embrace a Christian nondenominational church.

“People are looking for contemporary forms of worship,” he said. “I think it fits better with people’s lifestyles.”

Although Neal grew up in more formal, regimented Christian churches, his ministry is more casual, focusing on music, sermons from the Bible, programs for adults and children and events.

Neal and volunteers were recently renovating the stage in Hillcrest’s sanctuary.

“The drum stand can go here,” he said of the revamped stage.

They tore out the orange upholstered pews, instead opting for open seating with chairs that can be moved to clear out the sanctuary for dinners and other events.

The building is structurally sound but needed cosmetic work and alterations to the sanctuary. Neal and volunteers are working on other rooms in the building for youth ministries, offices and a small kitchen.