David's.

The Bermuda Land Development Corporation yesterday announced that the Church, which boasts a 1,100 strong congregation, will lease the Southside chapel.

"We are elated,'' said pastor the Rev. Goodwin C. Smith. "The news this morning has been received with praise to God. This is something I have been praying for for more than three years when I learned the US Navy was leaving Bermuda.'' BLDC's chief executive officer Carl Musson said the leasing of the chapel was an important step in the Company's mission to reintegrate the former military base into the community.

The BLDC selected the New Testament Church of God following an open tender process that was launched in August.

A BLDC spokesperson said the bids were evaluated in terms of the plans to manage and use the building, the applicant's experience in managing a similar facility and the proposed return to the BLDC.

The New Testament Church of God, which has six churches in five parishes, will hold Sunday services as well as regular meetings for seniors, young people and families in the 300 capacity chapel.

PRAYED -- The Rev. Goodwin Smith NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH -- The former US Naval Air Station Church at Southside in St. David's has been leased to the New Testament Church of God after being out to to tender.