Photo by Bill Green A large tractor mows a portion of the 138-acre Lynfield Complex off Hansonville Road that was recently sold for $8 million to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church. Purchase this photo

The property changed hands July 31, said Randy Goldenberg, senior pastor.

The church, now using one of the two larger buildings at the complex, will expand into the second building for its teen program. The property also includes several smaller buildings and a house.

Goldenberg said the church, which has about 2,000 members, was caught between buying the property or losing its location for services.

He said the owner, Frances Lynch, had decided to sell, but only the entire property. The church owned about 50 acres on site, he said.

"It would have been difficult to find a place to rent for a church this size," Goldenberg said Thursday. The church used Ballenger Creek Elementary School for 13 years before leasing space at Lynfield.

Uncertainty hovers over the property, however, as the county required the church to rezone the site as a place of worship.

That means the church might not be able to rent out some of the buildings for non-church activities -- such as school proms, as well as trade shows and other events.

"I really can't comment on the other uses. It is totally uncertain at this time," Goldenberg said.

Lynch, who opened the complex nine years ago, said Thursday that clients who have bookings at this time would be honored.

"We really don't have that many as we knew we were going to sell," Lynch said.

With the county growing, there is a real need for a venue of that size, Lynch said.

"It is a shame. I hope things can be worked out with the county. It would be a real disappointment to not use it," Lynch said.

Taking care of the complex is a big job, Lynch said. "I'll be 74 years old. It's about time," she said of the sale. "I still have the Christmas Show (at the Frederick Fairgrounds), it's the 26th year. I'm not ready to give that up yet."

Lynch said she told Goldenberg about the work involved in keeping the complex up. "I won't miss those 18-hour days. He (Goldenberg) may get more than he wished for."

The Frederick County Association of Realtors held its annual trade show at Lynfield in August. Liz Donaty, program chairwoman, said the Realtors are looking at the Frederick Fairgrounds as an alternative for next year's show. "Maybe things will work out that we can go back to Lynfield. We will have to see what the county works out," Donaty said.

Laurie Boyer, executive director of the county's economic development office, said Lynfield had been used only once for the annual business reception. "We put it out to bid and go with the lowest bidder. We've had it at Ceresville Mansion, Martin's, there are plenty of places we can go."

Paul Hoyt, class adviser at Tuscarora High School, said Lynfield had been booked for the school's prom. "Since we booked before the sale, I think we may still be able to go there. Otherwise we will have to look for a backup."

Erin Mathauser, a class co-adviser at Middletown High School, said she was looking around for space for the prom.

Larry Smith, the county's zoning officer, said only "accessory uses" would be allowed on the property, referring to church-related activities.

Goldenberg said he thinks the church could eventually use all of the buildings, considering it has two Sunday services, weekly activities and more. "We have a Kid's Stuff Program for those 5 to 10 years old that uses high energy theatrical programs with drama and music." The church has an average Sunday attendance of about 1,500 members, he said.

When the property was up for sale, Goldenberg said the church knew it had to buy the entire property or would lose its home. The membership raised $1 million and the remaining $7 million is from a commercial lender.

"When we started to raise money, gas was $4 a gallon and the economy was falling. But people pulled together and we did it," Goldenberg said. "We also believe there are thousands of people out there reachable by Christ and we will grow and ultimately use all of the buildings."

Goldenberg has been the pastor of the church since it was launched 18 years ago.

"I believe the Lord led us to this point," Goldenberg said.