Canton Congregation Appeals to Ohio Supreme Court Over Timken Stables
Beit HaKavod Messianic Synagogue seeks intervention to retain historic property amid legal disputes with the city
Canton, Ohio, Timken Stables, Beit HaKavod, Rabbi Mark Lancaster, Historic Property
Canton: A local religious group is in a bit of a pickle. Beit HaKavod Messianic Synagogue is asking the Ohio Supreme Court for help to keep their historic Timken Stables property.
The congregation is appealing after a lower court sided with the city, which wants them to either fix up the place or sell it. The building, built in the 1910s, is in rough shape, and the city says it needs at least $4 million in repairs.
Rabbi Mark Lancaster and his wife bought the stables back in 2013, but things have been rocky ever since. They’ve been battling the city over the building’s condition, and the city even sued them last year, demanding repairs be made within 30 days.
According to the city, the synagogue hasn’t done enough to fix safety issues. They also argue that the congregation didn’t have enough time to make the necessary repairs. The synagogue has been holding services elsewhere since 2019.
In their appeal, the Lancasters claim they’re being treated unfairly compared to other religious groups that have faced similar issues. They argue that the city is favoring other groups while being tough on them.
The city, however, insists they’re just looking out for public safety. They’ve denied any wrongdoing, saying their only goal is to ensure the community’s well-being.
Beit HaKavod believes in Jesus as the Jewish messiah and follows various Jewish traditions, but they’re not recognized as a Jewish group. It’s a complicated situation, and it’ll be interesting to see how the court handles it.