Advance Ministerial Alliance re-purposes old Inland shoe Factory Building

MADELINEDEJOURNETTadvancensc@sbcglobal.net This Inland shoe Factory building, constructed by community volunteer effort in the fifties, is being remodeled to provide a permanent home for the Advance branch of the Stoddard County gospel Mission.

In an era when factory buildings are being left deserted throughout the nation, it is reassuring to see the old Inland Shoe Factory building in the small town of Advance, MO being repurposed into a useful part of the community again.

When the Stoddard County Gospel Mission recently lost its location in a former restaurant on Ruth Street, the charitable organization had no choice but to move into temporary quarters in the annex of the old gym on Highway C.

The Mission distributes free food to the needy every Thursday in Advance, but without refrigeration, the Mission was only able to store the food for a short period of time.

Two members of the Advance Ministerial Alliance came to the rescue. A vacant building was found, and Ronnie McAtee and Wayne Page began the work of painting, repairing, and building walls to provide 4400 square feet of space to house the thrift store and food distribution center.

"I can't say enough about the help we've received from Ronnie McAtee and Wayne Page, as well as the Advance Improvement Corporation, who have provided us with the facility," said Kim Slavings, Stoddard County Gospel Mission director. "We hope to be open early in September on the 16th anniversary of our first opening in Advance. Donations are coming in to fill the store. It's an exciting time!"

According to the project manager, Ronnie McAtee, several churches are involved in the building renovation: Advance first, Christian Life, Faith Baptist, and Full Gospel.

McAtee credits Dale Wiseman, Wayne Page and Dave McConnell with helping to do the work. Rick Shipman Construction has donated materials, such as metal studs, bathroom fixtures, tiles, and doors.

Walls have been erected to enclose 4400 square feet of space for the current needs of the Mission store and food distribution, but an extra 15,000 square feet is available in the building.

It is truly a community effort, much as the original building of the factory was in the 1950's.

"The Advance Ministerial Alliance brought the Stoddard County Gospel Mission to Advance 16 years ago," Slavings said. "This will be our fourth location, but now it looks as if we'll have a real home. I have a vision of Advance thriving!"