6/30/2009 Group wants to buy college - new…
Group wants to buy college
By JEFF NEEMS - Waikato Times Last updated 12:00 29/06/2009
A group of wealthy American-based Mormons, led by a successful Utah property developer, have
approached church leaders to take over Church College and keep it open.
Speaking from Utah where he runs a successful real estate firm and develops property, Will S Jones said
he had a hugely memorable experience while based at Church College between 1971 and 1974, and
wanted the school kept open.
"I think the biggest connection really comes from the guys I met in New Zealand, who had gone through
Church College.
"When they talked about memories, that's (Church College) what their memories were."
Mr Jones became aware of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' plans to demolish the school
through New Zealand friends who had provided him with Waikato Times reports on the situation.
"It's such a part of the community, you'd love to see it stay."
Mr Jones said he was generating substantial support from people in the United States and New Zealand for
a proposed purchase or leasing of the school.
"It's a group that can actually make sure this happens," Mr Jones said. "If there is a way we can do this,
let's do it."
Gathering support required a few phone calls to a core group of 10 people, and financing the purchase of
the school potentially tens of millions of dollars was not a problem.
The group was prepared to put up whatever money was needed to strengthen the school's buildings the
reason the church has given for the demolition.
The school's moral guidelines "and good character-building things" would be enforced, and he was
confident people already employed at the school would stay on.
Mr Jones formally approached church leaders in Utah with his proposal, and was referred to New Zealand
church leaders. But the church is holding firm on its closure decision and spokesman Anthony Wilson
said "it will not relinquish ownership or control of the Church College site".
"The church has not received any bid of any substance from any source. However, the fact is that the
campus is not for sale.
"In respect to Mr Jones, I am sure the church would talk to him or his representatives but this would not
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change the church's position."
The church maintained the buildings were an earthquake risk and "not sustainable".
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