WINTHROP – Gateway Christian Fellowship received the trust of about 500 acres, formerly known as Bethany Acres or the old Hudson farm, 11 Hudson Lane, in March 2003.

The fellowship renamed it Broadview Acres, returning to the original name. It was J. Russell and Carolyn Hudson’s desire, since its conception in the early 1970s, to establish a Christ-centered educational facility as well as a place for the youth and the community to enjoy.

Dr. Brian and Candice Simmons, senior pastors of the fellowship, started their ministry as missionaries with New Tribes Missions, translating the New Testament into the Kuna language. After seven years of living in the jungle of South America without modern conveniences they finished their mission and returned to the states.

The fellowship has renovated the interior of the brick house, known as Carolyn Manor. Anthony and Karen Seminara and their children, Marc Anthony, Luke and Jacklyn, moved in last December.

The group is renovating the large white house and youths (ages 15 to 25) will come up from Connecticut this summer for Bible training, community outreach, concerts and festivities.

The fellowship has put money into the project, Kennebec County Sheriff’s Department has supplied labor and local tradesman have donated. Volunteers have come from many states as well, and Michael and Lisa Johnson and their children, Samuel, Hanna and Jordan have moved from Connecticut to help.

The fellowship, a nonprofit organization, can be reached at broadviewacres.org, 377-3309 or gateway-fellowship.org.


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