Dubbed “Free to Fly,” the campaign funded an out-of-court-settlement with the Synod of the Pacific, ending a six-year battle with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The church property is valued at an estimated $10.5 million.

Settlement with a Presbyterian Synod: $1.1 million.
Attorney fees: $100,000
Clear title to church property: Priceless

Located near Sacramento, Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church in Fair Oaks, Calif., raised $1.2 million through a church-based giving campaign in 10 weeks bringing a hard-fought property ownership dispute to an end.

Dubbed “Free to Fly,” the campaign funded an out-of-court-settlement with the Synod of the Pacific, ending a six-year battle with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The church property is valued at an estimated $10.5 million.

Senior Pastor Kirk Bottomly, third from left, and Pastor Emeritus Henry Wells, fourth from left, along with elders, from left, Bruce McCormick, Michele Zumwalt, Chris Larsen and Larry Cheatham view documents granting the church clear title to the Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church property.

“We thank God for the miracle that took place here at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church,” the Rev. Kirk Bottomly, the church’s senior pastor, said. Bottomly added that, despite recent economic downturn, the Fair Oaks was able to raise the money within 10 weeks.

The announcement finalizes a negotiated settlement between the church and the synod in November, when a “handshake agreement” was reached by Fair Oaks, a 1,700-member church.

The news was officially delivered to the congregation between worship services on March 20.

Citing theological differences with the PCUSA, Fair Oaks added to a growing trend among conservative churches by joining the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in 2009.